How Our Brain Changes for Learning and Memory

Our brains are amazing. They can change and grow, which helps us learn and remember things. Two important ways this happens are through synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis.

1. Synaptic Plasticity

This is all about how connections in our brain, called synapses, can get stronger or weaker over time. This affects how well signals are sent between brain cells.

Here are the main types:

• Long-term potentiation (LTP): This makes synapses stronger. It’s really important for storing memories.
• Long-term depression (LTD): This weakens synapses. It helps us forget things that aren’t important.

Did you know that about 40% of the synapses in our brains show LTP after we learn something new? That’s a lot!

2. Neurogenesis

This is the process of making new brain cells, called neurons. This mostly happens in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is super important for memory.

Adults produce around 700 new neurons every day!

These new neurons join the existing connections in our brains. This helps us learn new things and adapt to changes better.

To Sum It Up

Synaptic plasticity makes our brain connections work better, while neurogenesis brings in fresh new cells. Together, these processes help us learn more and remember better!