Synapse Refinement

Circuit Refinement

The process of refining neural connections to ensure precise and functional circuitry in the nervous system.

Axon Pruning

The selective elimination of axon branches to ensure correct innervation and appropriate connections.

Synapse Elimination

The removal of redundant or inappropriate synapses between neurons to refine neural circuits.

Ocular Dominance Columns (ODCs)

Distinct stripes in the primary visual cortex that segregate inputs from the two eyes, crucial for binocular vision.

Activity-Dependent Refinement

The refining of neural circuits based on patterns of neuronal activity, essential for normal development.

Hebbian Synaptic Plasticity

A principle stating that synapses between co-active neurons are strengthened, while those between asynchronously active neurons are weakened.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting increase in synaptic strength resulting from the co-activation of pre- and postsynaptic neurons.

Long-Term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength resulting from low-frequency stimulation of presynaptic neurons.

Spontaneous Retinal Waves

Patterns of neuronal activity in the retina that help drive the formation of ocular dominance columns in the absence of visual input.

Microglia

Resident immune cells in the brain that actively engage in the phagocytosis of inactive synapses during circuit refinement.

NMDA Receptors (NMDARs)

Glutamate receptors that serve as coincidence detectors, activating in response to simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic activity.

Repulsive Cues

Molecular signals that guide the stereotyped pruning of specific axonal branches during neural development.