Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) describe opposite changes in synaptic strength.

### Why this is right Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a lasting strengthening of synaptic transmission, whereas long-term depression (LTD) is a lasting weakening. The terms therefore name opposite directions of change. ### The concept Synaptic strength affects how effectively activity at one neuron influences another. Experience-related changes in this strength are called synaptic plasticity. Both strengthening and weakening can contribute to changes in learned responses; plasticity does not mean that every synapse must become stronger. ### Terms - **LTP**: Long-term potentiation, lasting synaptic strengthening. - **LTD**: Long-term depression, lasting synaptic weakening. - **Synaptic plasticity**: The capacity of synapses to change their strength over time. ### Remember Potentiation strengthens; depression weakens.