Synaptic Plasticity

In order to mediate various adaptive responses, the circuitry of the nervous system remains modifiable, or plastic, throughout life. The term plasticity refers to virtually any form of change in the nervous system or in behavior. Synaptic plasticity may be defined as the capability of synapses to vary their function, to be replaced, and to increase or decrease in number when required. In studies on synaptic plasticity, it is a widely held working hypothesis that modifications at synapses are, to a large extent, responsible for the overall plasticity of nervous system circuitry and, therefore, behavioral plasticity.