Which statement best describes the basis of sensory adaptation?
A) A continuously stimulated sensory receptor triggers fewer action potentials, so stimuli sent to the brain decrease and awareness of the stimuli is diminished.
B) The nerve fiber synapsed with a sensory receptor gradually returns to its baseline level of firing despite continued neurotransmitter stimulation.
C) The spinal cord interneurons that receive a prolonged stimulus gradually come to ignore it.
D) The thalamic centers that receive a prolonged stimulus gradually come to ignore it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sensory adaptation is the process by which a sensory receptor becomes less responsive to a continuously present stimulus over time. This occurs because a continuously stimulated sensory receptor triggers fewer action potentials, so stimuli sent to the brain decrease and awareness of the stimuli is diminished. Choice B refers to habituation, which is a related but distinct process. Choice C and D are not accurate descriptions of sensory adaptation.

Which Statement Best Describes the Basis of Sensory Adaptation