What is the ability of one neuron to form new connections and break up the old ones?

• A. Synaptic plasticity
• B. Dendritic branching
• C. Neural network
• D. Cortical remapping

Answer: (A)

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to change in strength and structure in response to activity, allowing the formation of new connections and the dismantling of old ones. This dynamic rewiring underlies learning and memory, as repeated signaling strengthens frequently used connections while weakening or removing those that are less active. Mechanisms like long-term potentiation and long-term depression illustrate how activity can enhance or reduce synaptic efficacy, and structural changes can involve growth or retraction of dendritic spines to create or remove contact points. The other terms describe different ideas: dendritic branching refers to growing new dendrites, cortical remapping to large-scale reorganization of the cortex, and neural network to a broader system of interconnected neurons, none of which capture the specific process of forming and eliminating synaptic connections at the single-synapse level.