Figure 1.

Plasticity. Behavioral plasticity is the product of network plasticity; networks are comprised of circuits. Plasticity of circuits is caused by neuronal plasticity including neurogenesis, dendritic branching, and dendritic spine growth. At the center of it all is synaptic plasticity, or the change in strength of connection between axon terminal and dendritic spine. Synaptic plasticity directly underlies macroscopic changes and triggers signaling molecules to alter mRNA and protein production.