Final answer:
Neural Synchrony is the concept that amplifies neuron activity in the context of consciousness. Long-term Potentiation (LTP) is the persistent strengthening of synaptic connections that contributes to learning and memory and is based on the Hebbian principle that neurons that fire together, wire together.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept that amplifies workspace neuron activity, binding together brain regions and resulting in consciousness is Neural Synchrony (c). However, when describing the process of neuronal interactions and strengthened connections that are important in the context of learning and memory, we refer to Long-term Potentiation (LTP).
Long-term potentiation is a mechanism by which synaptic connections are strengthened, following the Hebbian principle that 'cells that fire together wire together.' When a presynaptic neuron consistently and repetitively signals a postsynaptic neuron, this can lead to the removal of Mg²⁺ blocking at NMDA receptors, allowing Ca²⁺ to enter the postsynaptic cell. This triggers downstream effects that result in the insertion of AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane, thereby increasing the synapse's strength and making it more likely that the postsynaptic cell will fire in response to neurotransmitter release.
Long-term potentiation is a fundamental aspect of synaptic plasticity, which allows for changes in the strength of synaptic connections, enabling learning and memory. This is in contrast to long-term depression (LTD), which is a weakening of synaptic connections.