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- News from the Institutes
Two Brain Areas Compete for Control
The locus coeruleus and the ventral tegmental area compete for control over the formation of memory content
14.03.2025
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- Glossary
Long-term potentiation
Long-term potentiation is a central mechanism for learning and memory formation. It is based on improved communication between two cells, referred to as strengthening the connection. This strengthening can occur, for example, through an enlargement of the connection point, the installation of new channels, or an increased release of transmitters (messenger substances).
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- Glossary
Long-term memory
Long-term memory stores information about events, facts, or skills over long periods of time, often for a lifetime. Different types of memory are stored in different areas of the brain. The cellular basis for these learning processes is based, among other things, on improved communication between two cells and is called long-term potentiation.
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Glossar
15.03.2017
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- Glossary
NMDA receptor
NMDA receptors are specialized receptor channels in the membrane of nerve cells that only open under very specific conditions. First, the neurotransmitter glutamate must bind to the receptor, and second, the receptor needs a cofactor such as glycine or D-serine. In addition, the postsynaptic cell membrane must be depolarized so that the magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) normally located in the channel pore is removed. If these conditions are met, an ion channel opens in the center of the receptor and allows calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in particular, but also sodium ions (Na⁺), to flow into the cell, while potassium ions (K⁺) flow out of the cell. The cell can respond to the influx of calcium in a variety of ways. NMDA receptors enable the brain to modify synaptic connections throughout life. They are crucial for forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) and thus play a central role in the formation and storage of memory content.
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- Glossary
Plasticity
The term neuroplasticity describes the ability of synapses, nerve cells, and entire areas of the brain to change structurally and functionally depending on the degree to which they are used. Synaptic plasticity refers to the adaptation of the signal transmission strength of synapses to the frequency and intensity of incoming stimuli, for example in the form of long-term potentiation or depression. In addition, the size, interconnection, and activity patterns of different areas of the brain also change depending on their use. This phenomenon is referred to as cortical plasticity when it specifically affects the cortex.
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- Grundlagen
- Anatomy
The Hippocampus
The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new memory content.
23.08.2011
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- Thinking
- Emotions
Learning the Meaning of Fear
The story of the brain that went forth to learn what fear was.
21.08.2025
