Explain how synaptic plasticity provides a neural basis for learning, and distinguish long-term potentiation from long-term depression.

### What a good answer covers - Define synaptic plasticity as a change in synaptic strength over time. - Link changes in synapses to experience-dependent changes in neural responses. - Distinguish long-term potentiation (LTP), which strengthens a synapse, from long-term depression (LTD), which weakens it. - Note that both mechanisms are identified as important forms of plasticity. ### The concept Neurons communicate at synapses. If the effectiveness of this communication changes and the change lasts, later activity through the circuit can differ from earlier activity. This is why synaptic plasticity is described as a physical basis for learning. LTP and LTD are not interchangeable labels: one names an increase in strength, the other a decrease. ### Terms - **Synaptic plasticity**: The ability of synapses to change their strength. - **LTP**: Long-term potentiation, lasting strengthening of a synapse. - **LTD**: Long-term depression, lasting weakening of a synapse. ### Remember A complete explanation connects lasting synaptic change to learning and names the opposite directions of LTP and LTD.