Habituation

Question 1

Define habituation

Answer 1

Form of learning where an organism decreases response to a stimulus after repeated exposure

Question 2

Describe process of habituation

Answer 2

~ high frequency of impulses leads to less responsive calcium voltage gated channels
~ fewer calcium ions move into the presynaptic neurone
~ less neurotransmitter is released into synaptic cleft + binds to post synaptic receptors
~ fewer sodium channels open, less sodium enters so threshold not reached
~ action potential ≠ generated; nerve impulse does not reach effector so no response produced

Question 3

Why is habituation useful?

Answer 3

• Avoids wasted energy to repetitive non-threatening stimulus
• More energy for threatening stimuli