Summary
The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to activity, via receptor trafficking and structural change.
In depth
Short-term plasticity includes facilitation and depression; long-term includes LTP, LTD and homeostatic scaling. Spine growth and elimination underlie learning and are impacted by experience.
Mechanisms include changes in receptor number, release probability and structure. Homeostatic plasticity stabilises activity.
Example: dendritic spine turnover occurs with learning.
Plasticity includes changes in transmitter release, receptor number (AMPA receptor trafficking), spine structure (spine enlargement during LTP) and formation or elimination of synapses. Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) strengthens synapses if presynaptic firing precedes postsynaptic firing by a few ms and weakens it in the reverse order. Homeostatic mechanisms (synaptic scaling, intrinsic excitability) keep activity within a stable range and prevent runaway potentiation. Metaplasticity changes thresholds for later plasticity.
Plasticity underlies learning, recovery from stroke, rehabilitation (constraint-induced movement therapy), and also maladaptive changes such as chronic pain and addiction. Sleep may help renormalise synapses (synaptic homeostasis hypothesis). Experience-dependent changes are strongest in critical periods, but adult brains remain plastic.
Remember: the brain changes with use, and stronger synapses form the cellular basis of learning.
Frequently asked questions
What is Synaptic Plasticity?
The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to activity, via receptor trafficking and structural change.
Which area of biology covers Synaptic Plasticity, and how advanced is it?
Synaptic Plasticity is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Neural Development, NMDA Receptors, Neuropharmacology.
Can you give an example of Synaptic Plasticity?
London taxi drivers have enlarged posterior hippocampi.
What should I learn before Synaptic Plasticity?
Work through the Beginner topics in Neuroscience first, such as Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, then return to Synaptic Plasticity. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Synaptic Plasticity?
The closest topics to Synaptic Plasticity are Neural Development, NMDA Receptors, Neuropharmacology, Long-Term Potentiation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Synaptic Plasticity?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Synaptic Plasticity. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
How is Synaptic Plasticity different from Neural Development?
Synaptic Plasticity: The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to activity, via receptor trafficking and structural change. Neural Development: Neurons are generated, migrate, extend axons and form synapses guided by chemical cues. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Synaptic Plasticity step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Neural Development and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.