In: Biology
Practice questions: Which is/are true about the peripheral
somatosensory system?
a. receptive fields are usually large where fine analysis is
required (like finger
tips).
b. receptor cells are best at distinguishing two or more
simultaneous stimuli when the stimuli are within the cell’s
receptive field.
c. receptive fields are arranged systematically on the sensory
surface.
d. A and B
e. B and C
ANS E =B and C
Explanation
The receptive fields of somatosensory neurons share much in common with the receptive fields of visual neurons. As for visual neurons, the somatosensory receptive fields comprise a restricted 2-dimensional region of space where a stimulus can evoke a neuronal response. In somatosensory neurons, however, space refers to a region of the body and the stimulus can be touch, vibration, temperature or pain.
Similar to visual neurons, the receptive fields of somatosensory neurons are smaller in the regions of the body where the perceptual spatial resolution is highest. The fingertips have the highest spatial resolution (and the smallest receptive fields) while the thigh and calf region have the lowest spatial resolution (and largest receptive fields). The spatial resolution to light-touch stimulation can be evaluated by measuring two-point discrimination thresholds. The subject has to report whether the skin is touched either with one or two pointy objects that are closely spaced. When the distance between the two objects is small, it is not possible to reliably distinguish between one or two objects touching.
Receptive field, region in the sensory periphery within which stimuli can influence the electrical activity of sensory cells. The receptive field encompasses the sensory receptors that feed into sensory neurons and thus includes specific receptors on a neuron as well as collectives of receptors that are capable of activating a neuron via synaptic connections. Receptive fields are found throughout the body, including over the body surface; in tissues such as muscles, joints, and the eyes; and in internal organs. The concept of the receptive field is central to sensory neurobiology, because it provides a description of the location at which a sensory stimulus must be presented in order to elicit a response from a sensory cell.