The link between how our brain sends signals and how it changes over time is really exciting! It helps us understand how we learn and grow.
Neurotransmitter Release: When a nerve signal reaches the end of a nerve cell, it opens up special channels that let calcium in. This calcium makes tiny bubbles, called synaptic vesicles, merge with the cell's membrane and release chemicals called neurotransmitters into the gap between nerve cells.
Postsynaptic Receptors: These neurotransmitters then attach to specific spots on the next nerve cell, causing changes in that cell. This can either make it more likely to send a signal (what we call excitement) or less likely to send a signal (which we call inhibition), helping the message travel along!
Neuroplasticity is about how our brains can change and form new connections as we go through life.
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): When two nerve cells send signals at the same time over and over, they get better at communicating. This is summed up in the saying: "cells that fire together, wire together!" It means that the more they work together, the stronger their connection becomes.
Long-Term Depression (LTD): On the other hand, if nerve cells aren’t communicating much, their connection can weaken. This can help the brain become more efficient!
Overall, synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity show just how amazing our brains are at learning and adapting to new experiences! Isn’t that cool? 🎉
The link between how our brain sends signals and how it changes over time is really exciting! It helps us understand how we learn and grow.
Neurotransmitter Release: When a nerve signal reaches the end of a nerve cell, it opens up special channels that let calcium in. This calcium makes tiny bubbles, called synaptic vesicles, merge with the cell's membrane and release chemicals called neurotransmitters into the gap between nerve cells.
Postsynaptic Receptors: These neurotransmitters then attach to specific spots on the next nerve cell, causing changes in that cell. This can either make it more likely to send a signal (what we call excitement) or less likely to send a signal (which we call inhibition), helping the message travel along!
Neuroplasticity is about how our brains can change and form new connections as we go through life.
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): When two nerve cells send signals at the same time over and over, they get better at communicating. This is summed up in the saying: "cells that fire together, wire together!" It means that the more they work together, the stronger their connection becomes.
Long-Term Depression (LTD): On the other hand, if nerve cells aren’t communicating much, their connection can weaken. This can help the brain become more efficient!
Overall, synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity show just how amazing our brains are at learning and adapting to new experiences! Isn’t that cool? 🎉