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presynaptic facilitation
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presynaptic facilitation

physiology
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Quick Summary

Presynaptic facilitation is a physiological process where the strength of a synaptic connection increases over time due to repeated stimulation. This occurs in the terminals of sensory neurons and is thought to be caused by an increase in a second messenger called cAMP. This mechanism enhances neurotransmitter release, leading to a stronger response in the postsynaptic neuron. This phenomenon is observed in organisms like Aplysia and is crucial for understanding neural plasticity, which underlies learning and memory.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. postsynaptic potential
  2. nervous system - Simple mollusks
  3. nervous system - Postsynaptic potential

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