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Related Concept Videos

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Simultaneous Monitoring of Wireless Electrophysiology and Memory Behavioral Test as a Tool to Study Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Simultaneous Monitoring of Wireless Electrophysiology and Memory Behavioral Test as a Tool to Study Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Published on: August 20, 2020

EEG power changes reflect distinct mechanisms during long-term memory retrieval.

Patrick H Khader¹, Frank Rösler

¹Institute of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany. Khader@staff.uni-marburg.de

Psychophysiology

|July 14, 2010

Summary

Alpha oscillations activate stored information during long-term memory (LTM) retrieval, while theta oscillations indicate control processes. This study differentiates their specific roles in LTM retrieval demands.

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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

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Applications of EEG Neuroimaging Data: Event-related Potentials, Spectral Power, and Multiscale Entropy

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Published on: June 27, 2013

Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuroscience of Memory
Brain Oscillations

Background:

The precise roles of theta and alpha brain oscillations in long-term memory (LTM) retrieval remain incompletely understood.
Both oscillations are influenced by LTM retrieval demands, but their specific functional contributions are debated.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the distinct oscillatory correlates of LTM retrieval.
To differentiate the functions of theta and alpha oscillations during memory retrieval using a paradigm sensitive to material-specific representations.

Main Methods:

Utilized a novel experimental paradigm to monitor the activation of varying numbers of material-specific LTM representations.
Analyzed theta and alpha frequency band activity in relation to retrieval demands and material type.

Main Results:

Both theta and alpha oscillations showed parametric responses to the number of retrieved items.
Alpha oscillations exhibited topographic dissociation based on material type, suggesting modulation of material-specific representations.
Theta oscillations showed a material-unspecific, mid-frontal topography, indicative of general retrieval control.

Conclusions:

Alpha oscillations are functionally linked to the activation of stored information during LTM retrieval.
Theta oscillations serve as a neural marker for retrieval-related control processes, rather than direct information activation.