Figure 2.

Voluntary exercise can induce transcription of different genes in neurons within the CNS, leading to increased levels of neurotrophins in the brain, as well as to enhanced synaptic and neuronal plasticity. This can, e.g., affect neuroanatomical correlates of learning and memory as, e.g., changes in dendritic spines, as well as increases in the rate of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This, as well other changes induced by increases in neurotrophin levels and in synaptic and neuronal plasticity, have beneficial effects on learning and memory.