PSYC 280 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Sensory Nerve, Operant Conditioning, Habituation
4 Apr 2016
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Charles sherrington speculated that synaptic alterations might be the basis of learning. Current theories of learning focus on plasticity of the structure and physiological functioning of synapses. Plastic changes at synapses can be physiological or structural. Synaptic changes that may store info can be measured physiologically. Extra depolarization or hyperpolarization of axon terminals can be modulated by inputs from other neurons. Glia also play a role in learning and synaptic activity: astrocytes mark which synapses will change in strength, blocking astrocyte activity prevents synapse from changing. People learning a new skill show changes in white matter that indicate changes in myelination from oligodendrocytes. Training effects: more transmitter released from axon terminal o. Postsynaptic membrane becomes larger and/or more sensitive to transmitter. Synapse enlarges both pre and postsynaptically o: end result is increase psp. Varied experiences and learning cause the brain to change and grow.
