Short-term habituation of the Aplysia gill-withdrawal reflex, lasting from minutes to several hours, probably results from
A) changes in the synapses between sensory and motor neurons.
B) decreased sensitivity of the sensory neurons.
C) fatigue in the muscles serving the gill.
D) stronger excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the interneurons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Short-term habituation is likely a result of changes in the synapses between sensory and motor neurons. This is because repeated stimulation of the sensory neuron causes a decrease in neurotransmitter release at the synapse, resulting in a smaller response by the motor neuron and ultimately habituation of the gill-withdrawal reflex.

Short-Term Habituation of the Aplysia Gill-Withdrawal Reflex, Lasting from Minutes