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Writer's picturePawel Ciecierski MSc Physiotherapy MCSP HCPCreg
2 min read

Synaptic plasticity

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses, the connections between neurons, to change and adapt in response to different stimuli.


While synaptic plasticity is primarily studied in the context of neuronal communication and learning and memory processes, it can also apply to muscle function to some extent.


In skeletal muscles, which are responsible for voluntary movements, the communication between motor neurons and muscle fibers occurs at specialized synapses called neuromuscular junctions. The strength of the connection between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, also known as the neuromuscular transmission, can be modified by different factors such as exercise, aging, and disease.


For example, regular exercise can lead to an increase in the number and size of muscle fibers, as well as an improvement in neuromuscular transmission efficiency, which is thought to be related to changes in synaptic plasticity.


Studies have shown that neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy can result in altered synaptic plasticity, which can contribute to muscle weakness and dysfunction. Check them out for more info.


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