Neural adaptation

Neural adaptation or sensory adaptation is a change over time in the responsiveness of the sensory system to a constant stimulus. It is usually experienced as a change in the stimulus. For example, if one rests one's hand on a table, one immediately feels the table's surface on one's skin. Within a few seconds, however, one ceases to feel the table's surface. The sensory neurons stimulated by the table's surface respond immediately, but then respond less and less until they may not respond at all; this is an example of neural adaptation.

Mechanism

Neural adaptation occurs in all the senses. The basic principle that underlies sensory adaptation is that our sensory systems (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste) are designed to respond to changes in the environment. Thus, constant stimulus can result in decreased sensory perception.

Types of Neural Adaptation

There are two types of neural adaptation: fast and slow. Fast adaptation happens quickly, but the neuron soon starts firing again even though the stimulus is still there. Slow adaptation is when the neuron fires continuously, but at a decreasing rate, throughout the presence of the stimulus.

Role in Perception

Neural adaptation plays a crucial role in perception. It allows our sensory systems to operate in a way that is most beneficial to our survival. By adapting to constant stimuli, our senses are freed up to detect and process changes in the environment.

See Also

• Sensory system
• Neuron
• Perception

References

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