PSY290H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Synaptic Plasticity, Behavioral Enrichment, Biological Neural Network
Document Summary
The ability of the nervous system to change in response to experience or the environment. Neuroplasticity is found in virtually all animals, indicating that it is an ancient and vital product of evolution. Charles sherrington speculated that synaptic alterations might be the basis of learning. Most theories of learning focus on plasticity of the structure and function of synapses. Plastic changes at synapses can be physiological or structural. Synaptic changes that may store information can be measured physiologically; the changes can be presynaptic, postsynaptic, or both. They can include changes in the amount of neurotransmitter released and/or changes in the number or sensitivity of the postsynaptic receptors, resulting in larger (or smaller) postsynaptic potentials. Inhibiting inactivation of the transmitter (by altering reuptake or enzymatic degradation) can produce a similar effect. Synaptic activity can also by influenced by inputs from other neurons, causing extra depolarization or hyperpolarization of the axon terminals and therefore changes in the amount of neurotransmitter released.
