Long-term
potentiation is a form of neuronal plasticity,
which may form the biological basis for some kinds of memory.
In brief, long-term potentiation refers
to the fact that if two neurons
are active at the same time, the connection between them may
be strengthened. This change ("potentiation") can last for
minutes to hours. This may serve to lay a foundation for more
permanent changes, such as the construction of new connections
(synapses) between the neurons.
Further reading: L. Squire and E. Kandel
(2000). Memory: From Mind to Molecules. New York: Scientific
American Library.
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain |