Chapter 39, Problem 1FIB

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

As a sensory receptor cell gets stimulated, it generates an electrical signal termed as receptor potential. Receptor potential differs in size, unlike the action potentials. Receptor potential contains large size in a sensory receptor cell and can stimulate action potentials with high frequency in axons leading from the sense organ to the brain. These type of receptor potentials are able to detect touch and temperature felt on the skin.

Answer to Problem 1FIB

Correct answer:

Sensory receptors respond to an appropriate stimulus with an electrical signal called a (n) receptor potential. Larger stimuli cause these signals to be larger than signals from stimuli. Ultimately, the intensity of a stimulus is conveyed to the brain encoded by the frequency of action potentials in axons connected to specific sensory areas of the brain.

Explanation of Solution

A receptor potential of sensory receptor cells triggers the formation of neurotransmitters onto a neuron which stimulates action potentials. It moves down the axon of that neuron to the CNS.

Thus, larger receptor potential leads to the production of a higher frequency of action potential moving to the CNS (brain).

Conclusion

The sensory receptors differ in size along with the intensity of a stimulus. The stronger the stimulus is, the larger is the receptor potential.