1. Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
Detecting stimuli: Sensory receptors

2. Where does the signal begin?

3. Receptors Types Exteroceptors
Distance (vision, olfaction, hearing)
Contact (touch, taste)
Interoceptors (temperature, pressure etc.)

4. Adaptation Types Tonic receptors Slow or no decline in response
AP as long as stimulus is maintained
Maintenance information

5. Adaptation Types Phasic receptors Fast response
AP during only part of the stimulus
Change of stimulus information

6. Types of sensory potentials
Generator potential
Stimulation of the primary afferent neuron directly

7. Types of sensory potentials
Receptor potential
Stimulation of the receptor prior to the primary afferent neuron

8. Modality Law of specific nerve energetics
“Modality depends on region of brain to which the information is sent”
This is how the brain determines how to respond to a signal

9. Graded potentials Factors effecting:
Intensity (how much applied)
Speed (how fast it’s applied)
Receptors have a high threshold for excitation : why?

10. Graded versus action potentials
Stimulus strength
Summation
Refractory period
Decrement of impulse
Duration