How do changes in synapses produce neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the fundamental capacity of the brain to reorganize its structure and function in response to experience, development, or injury. This process is primarily driven by adjustments in the strength or number of synapses between neurons.1

These synaptic changes occur through several mechanisms:

• Synaptic Strength: The efficacy of transmission can be altered by increasing or decreasing the amount of neurotransmitter released or by changing the sensitivity of the postsynaptic membrane. For example, long-term potentiation (LTP) involves a long-lasting strengthening of the postsynaptic response following repeated stimulation, a process linked to learning and memory. Conversely, processes like habituation can reduce synaptic efficacy by decreasing neurotransmitter release.234
• Structural Reorganization: Plasticity can involve physical changes, such as the sprouting of new branches and the formation of new synapses during development. In the long term, the number of active zones at nerve terminals may increase or decrease based on the level of stimulation.13
• Synaptic Pruning: Unused or redundant synapses are often eliminated, which helps refine neural networks and improve their overall efficiency.1