Psychology: Muller's Law and Receptor Potential Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is Muller's law, and what does it describe?

Muller's law states that each type of receptors is highly sensitive to one type of stimuli called the adequate stimulus, and its stimulation gives rise to one type of sensation, regardless of the way of stimulation.

What is the receptor potential, and what is its significance?

The receptor potential is the potential change that occurs in the receptors on adequate stimulation, usually in the form of depolarizations. It's significant because it triggers the transmission of signals to the CNS.

What is Weber-Fechner's law, and what does it describe?

Weber-Fechner's law states that the frequency of impulses discharged from the receptors through afferent nerves is directly proportionate to the logarithm intensity of the stimulus, represented as R = log S x K.

What is adaptation of sensory receptors, and what does it result in?

Adaptation of sensory receptors is a decline in the rate of discharge from the receptors despite continuous constant stimulation. It results in decreased sensitivity to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two mechanisms involved in intensity discrimination, and what do they depend on?

The two mechanisms involved in intensity discrimination are peripheral and central mechanisms. Peripheral mechanism depends on the rate of impulse discharge from each receptor and the number of stimulated receptors. Central mechanism depends on the number of afferents reaching the CNS. Signup and view all the answers

What are pain receptors, and what are their characteristics?

Pain receptors are free nerve endings that are highly specific and respond only to tissue damage. They have subtypes that respond to mechanical, chemical, or thermal stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the rate of impulse discharge from each receptor in intensity discrimination?

The rate of impulse discharge from each receptor is significant because the higher the rate, the stronger is the stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the number of stimulated receptors in intensity discrimination?

The number of stimulated receptors is significant because the more receptors stimulated, the stronger is the stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the potential changes that occur in the receptors on adequate stimulation?

Receptor Potential Signup and view all the answers

Define Adaptation of Sensory Receptors.

Means decline 'decrease' in the rate of discharge from the receptors inspite of continous constant stimulation. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pain receptors respond only to the mechanical trauma?

Mechanical pain receptors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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).

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Description

Test your knowledge of Muller's Law, receptor potential, and Weber-Fechner's Law in psychology. Understand how receptors respond to stimuli and the relationship between impulse frequency and intensity.