Synaptic plasticity

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen/weaken over time depending on activity level. The brain has capacity to adapt and modify the strength of its neural connections based on new information or experience — a key mechanism for learning and memory formation. Changes in synaptic strength happen by altering the amount of neurotransmitter released, modifying the number of postsynaptic receptors, or changing the structure of dendrites. The concept of synaptic plasticity, associated with Donald Hebb’s theory (Hebbian theory), states “neurons that fire together, wire together”—synapses between frequently active neurons tend to strengthen. Also see Brain Plasticity