Posted by Cam W. on November 5, 2001, at 8:24:47
In reply to synaptic/neuro plasticity?, posted by JohnX2 on November 5, 2001, at 1:52:14
>
> What exactly is synaptic plasticity?
> Any references to material would be appreciated.
>
> -johnJohn - Quickly, synaptic plasticity is the ability of the synapse (connection between two nerve cells) to change. That is, the ability of the nerve cell to make new connections to other nerve cells, reinforce existing connections between nerve cells, and break connections that currently exist between nerve cells. The connections between certain nerve cells, especially those that are involved in memory, are "plastic", or changeable. This changing of synapse location slightly alters a memory, as in working memory, where changes in thinking are occurring "online". Long term potentiation (LPT), as probably happens during dreaming, strengthen these synapes, while long term depression (LTD) weaken them (sorta). The new network circuit that is formed is a changed thought.
So much for quickly. I have no online reference for this, but if you scour Neuroscion, I'm sure that you will find something. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:83236
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83249.html