Class 5: Graded Potentials (Sensory Receptor Potentials)

Question 1

Draw a picture of a primary sensory (afferent) neuron and label its components and their location in the body. Include the sensory receptor (dendrites), soma, and the peripheral and central branches of the axon.

Question 1

Explain how an increase or decrease in the permeability (i.e. opening or closing channels permeable) to K+, Na+, Ca2+, or Cl- would change the membrane potential from rest.

Question 2

Define a sensory receptor.

Question 3

Define sensory transduction and explain the mechanism by which this process occurs (i.e. which type of channels mediate it, how they are activated, etc.)

Question 4

Compare and contrast the properties of leak channels and mechanically-gated channels found on sensory receptors.

Question 5

Define a sensory receptor potential and explain how it is generated. Explain how the size of a receptor potential can be increased by a larger stimulus.