Chapter 45.1, Problem 4R

Summary Introduction

To review:

The importance of adaptation in different sensory modalities.

Introduction:

The sensory receptors of the individual activate when they come in contact with any stimulus. Their stimulation causes the body to respond to the stimulus by various mechanisms. However, when the body is stimulated repeatedly by the same stimulus, sensory receptors start producing a weak or diminished response. Due to a weaker response, the individual is capable of only detecting the new changes or information and is able to ignore the conditions that have remained constant. This process of minimizing its response to repeated stimulation is called adaptation.