3.3 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Neuroplasticity

As our brains develop, neural connections form rapidly in response to stimuli.

Synaptic Pruning

As we grow older, weak neural connections are broken while new ones are bolstered, increasing the efficiency of our brains' ability to process information.

Long-Term Potentiation

As a stimulus is repeated, the stimulated neurons become more efficient at releasing their neurotransmitters and at the same time receptor sites on the other side of the synapse increase, which increases receptor density.