Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Ensure Your Success!

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What is a common characteristic of phasic receptors?

They respond continuously to stimuli.

They become adapted to constant stimuli over time.

They generate action potentials only when stimuli change.

Phasic receptors are specialized sensory receptors that are designed to respond primarily to changes in stimuli rather than to a constant stimulus. This characteristic is key to their function; they generate action potentials only when there is a change in the level or intensity of a stimulus. For instance, when you first put on a pair of glasses or shoes, phasic receptors help you become aware of that new sensation. However, as that stimulus becomes constant, the phasic receptors reduce their activity, which is why you may stop noticing the glasses or shoes over time.

This ability to adapt to constant stimuli allows for greater sensitivity to new stimuli, ensuring that the organism can respond to environmental changes effectively. Understanding this concept illustrates how phasic receptors contribute significantly to dynamic perception and alertness to new or changing situations in the environment.

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They are responsible for chronic pain perception.

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