Psychology: Muller's Law and Receptor Potential Quiz

Muller's Law

• Each type of receptor is highly sensitive to one type of stimulus, known as the adequate stimulus.
• Stimulation of the receptor by the adequate stimulus gives rise to one type of sensation, regardless of the method of stimulation.

Receptor Potential

• Refers to the potential changes that occur in the receptors on adequate stimulation.
• Typically occurs in the form of depolarizations.

Weber-Fechner's Law

• The frequency of impulses discharged from the receptors through afferent nerves is directly proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus intensity.
• Mathematically represented as: R = log S x K, where R = rate of discharge, S = strength of stimulus, and K = constant.

Adaptation of Sensory Receptors

• Defined as the decline in the rate of discharge from the receptors despite continuous constant stimulation.
• Results in a decrease in sensitivity to the stimulus over time.

Intensity Discrimination

• The ability of the CNS to distinguish between different intensities of a sensation.

• Depends on two mechanisms:

  Peripheral Mechanism

  • Rate of impulse discharge from each receptor: higher rates of discharge correspond to stronger stimuli.
  • The number of stimulated receptors (recruitment of receptors): more receptors stimulated result in stronger stimuli.

  Central Mechanism

  • Depends on the number of afferents reaching the CNS: more afferents reaching the CNS result in stronger stimuli.

Pain Receptors

• Characteristics:
  • Are free nerve endings.
  • Are highly specific, responding only to tissue damage.
  • Subtypes include:
    • Mechanical pain receptors: respond to mechanical trauma (e.g., heavy pressure).
    • Chemical pain receptors: respond to tissue damage produced by chemical agents (e.g., concentrated H2SO4 or HCl).
    • Thermal pain receptors: respond to tissue damage produced by thermal stimuli (temperatures >45°C).

Muller's Law

• Each type of receptor is highly sensitive to one type of stimulus, known as the adequate stimulus.
• Stimulation of the receptor by the adequate stimulus gives rise to one type of sensation, regardless of the method of stimulation.

Receptor Potential

• Refers to the potential changes that occur in the receptors on adequate stimulation.
• Typically occurs in the form of depolarizations.

Weber-Fechner's Law

• The frequency of impulses discharged from the receptors through afferent nerves is directly proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus intensity.
• Mathematically represented as: R = log S x K, where R = rate of discharge, S = strength of stimulus, and K = constant.

Adaptation of Sensory Receptors

• Defined as the decline in the rate of discharge from the receptors despite continuous constant stimulation.
• Results in a decrease in sensitivity to the stimulus over time.

Intensity Discrimination

• The ability of the CNS to distinguish between different intensities of a sensation.

• Depends on two mechanisms:

  Peripheral Mechanism

  • Rate of impulse discharge from each receptor: higher rates of discharge correspond to stronger stimuli.
  • The number of stimulated receptors (recruitment of receptors): more receptors stimulated result in stronger stimuli.

  Central Mechanism

  • Depends on the number of afferents reaching the CNS: more afferents reaching the CNS result in stronger stimuli.

Pain Receptors

• Characteristics:
  • Are free nerve endings.
  • Are highly specific, responding only to tissue damage.
  • Subtypes include:
    • Mechanical pain receptors: respond to mechanical trauma (e.g., heavy pressure).
    • Chemical pain receptors: respond to tissue damage produced by chemical agents (e.g., concentrated H2SO4 or HCl).
    • Thermal pain receptors: respond to tissue damage produced by thermal stimuli (temperatures >45°C).