PSYB51H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Sensory Neuron, Itch, Mechanoreceptor
Document Summary
In general, receptors can be characterized by three attributes: 1. Type of stimulation to which the receptor responds: receptors respond to different stimulus events, e. g. to pressure, vibration, or temperature changes, 2. Rate of adaptation (fast v. slow: a fast-adapting (fa) receptor responds with bursts of action potentials, first when its preferred stimulus is applied and then again when the stimulus is removed. It does not respond during the steady state between stimulus onset and offset. Important for texture and pattern perception: activities which are dependent on sa i fibers are reading. Where there are only 2 optic nerves and 2 auditory nerves, there are a number of somatosensory nerve trunks, arising in the hands, arms, feet, legs, and other areas of the skin: 2. The tactile nerves must carry their messages considerably farther: because the receptors for sights, sounds, tastes, and smells are all located in the skill.
