Habituation to a stimulus
A) is due to receptor fatigue.
B) is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals.
C) can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type.
D) both "is due to receptor fatigue" and "can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type" are correct.
E) both "is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals" and "can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type" are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Habituation to a stimulus is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals. This is due to the fact that with repeated exposure to the same stimulus, the synaptic terminals become less responsive and release less neurotransmitter. However, habituation can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type, indicating that the decrease in neurotransmitter release is not permanent and can be reversed by a stronger stimulus. Therefore, both "is a result of decreased neurotransmitter release secondary to decreased calcium influx at synaptic terminals" and "can be overcome by a stronger stimulus of the same type" are correct. Option A is incorrect because receptor fatigue is not the cause of habituation. Option B is partially correct as decreased calcium influx does play a role in habituation, but decreased neurotransmitter release is the underlying cause. Option C is partially correct as stronger stimuli can overcome habituation, but it is specifically a stronger stimulus of the same type that is needed. Option D is incorrect as receptor fatigue is not the cause of habituation.

Habituation to a Stimulus