In: Anatomy and Physiology
Describe the physical changes that occur in the synapses of the hippocampus that may provide a physiological basis for long-term potentiation (LTP).
When the post tetanic potentiation gets much more prolonged and lasts for days it is called Long term potentiation. It occurs due to an increase in the intracellular calcium in the postsynaptic neuron rather than the presynaptic neuron. It occurs inside the CA1 neurons. When repeated activity occurs there occurs release of glutamate which stimulate the NMDA receptor on the post synaptic membrane which causes influx of Calcium ions. This Calcium acts as second messenger and cause phosphorylation of proteins which strengthen the synapse converting short term memory into long term memory.