The neural circuitry underlying the gill-withdrawal reflex is known: A sensory neuron in the gill synapses onto a motor neuron that innervates the gill. What is a neural mechanism for habituation?
A) With repeated stimulation, the sensory neuron produces fewer and fewer action potentials.
B) With repeated stimulation, the sensory neuron produces action potentials of decreased amplitude.
C) With repeated stimulation the synaptic response in the motor neuron decreases.
D) With repeated stimulation the motor neuron releases less neurotransmitter.
E) With repeated stimulation the muscles become fatigued.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With repeated stimulation of the sensory neuron, the synaptic strength between the pre- and postsynaptic neuron decreases which results in a decrease in the synaptic response in the motor neuron and a smaller response in the gill. The action potential response in the sensory neuron does not change and still follows siphon stimulation. Transmitter release in the motor neuron and response in the muscle is also not affected.

The Neural Circuitry Underlying the Gill-Withdrawal Reflex Is Known: a Sensory