hello, is it when the impulse travelling down the synapse that causes the it to become stronger?

Question: hello, is it when the impulse travelling down the synapse that causes the it to become stronger?

Asked by to Mariana on 16 Mar 2010 in Categories: General. This question was also asked by .
- Mariana Vargas answered on 16 Mar 2010:
  
  Hi there, this is a fantastic question. Synapses can get stronger in many ways (explained below… but firstly I need to introduce four terms!)
  
  1. Presynaptic cell: The cell that is sending the impulse
  2. Postsynaptic cell: The cell that is receiving the impulse
  3. Neurotransmitter: It’s a chemical that the presynaptic cell releases to communicate with the postsynaptic cell.
  4. Receptors: They are located in the postynaptic cell and they respond to the neurotransmitter.
  
  So here is the answer: For synapses to get stronger: either a) the presynaptic cell can release a much larger quantity of neurotransmitter, or b) some times the postsynaptic cell can increase the number of receptors for that neurotransmitter.
  
  The synapses that I study in a part of the brain called the hippocampus use the option b above.
  
  I hope that answers your question!

Question: hello, is it when the impulse travelling down the synapse that causes the it to become stronger?