Biology / Unit 12 Bio 2833 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Long-Term Potentiation and Long-Term Depression
Captions available
The idea
Long-term potentiation strengthens a repeatedly used synapse by inserting more receptors; long-term depression weakens an underused one by removing them — the cellular basis of learning and memory.
In practice
NMDA receptor activation from rapid repeated stimulation drives AMPA receptor insertion, strengthening that synapse's response.
Where people slip
LTD is not simple synaptic failure — pruning weak connections sharpens the relative strength of ones that underwent LTP.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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