"Associativity" in the Hebbian synapse refers to the
A) use of the same type of neurotransmitter in both the pre- and postsynaptic neurons.
B) simultaneous activity of several synapses on the same postsynaptic neuron.
C) nearly simultaneous activity of the pre- and postsynaptic neurons.
D) ability of the postsynaptic cell to use retrograde messengers such as nitric oxide (NO) to communicate with the presynaptic cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Associativity refers to the nearly simultaneous activity of the pre- and postsynaptic neurons, where the strength of the synaptic connection is increased when both neurons are active at the same time. This is a key feature of the Hebbian synapse, which is involved in learning and memory. Option A is incorrect as the use of the same type of neurotransmitter is not related to associativity. Option B is incorrect as it describes spatial summation, which is different from associativity. Option D is incorrect as it describes retrograde signaling, which is also not related to associativity.

"Associativity" in the Hebbian Synapse Refers to the