AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Although there are many kinds of synapses within the brain, they can be divided into two general classes: electrical synapses and chemical synapses.

Detailed explanation-2: -Synapses refer to the points of contact between neurons where information is passed from one neuron to the next. Synapses most often form between axons and dendrites, and consist of a presynaptic neuron, synaptic cleft, and a postsynaptic neuron.

Detailed explanation-3: -Many think that this synaptic plasticity is central to understanding the mechanisms of learning and memory. There are two general forms of synaptic plasticity, intrinsic and extrinsic.

Detailed explanation-4: -The most extensively studied and therefore prototypic forms of synaptic plasticity are the LTP and LTD observed in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (Figure 1), which are triggered by activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs). We will therefore begin with a discussion of their underlying mechanisms.