Abstract
Sensory receptors function as transducers, converting various forms of physical energy into neural electrical energy. The transduction process involves the following sequence:
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1.
A stimulus-induced increase in gNa (and possibly gK).
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2.
A generator current entering through the membrane where gNa is high and exiting through inactive axon; the amount of current is a function of stimulus intensity.
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3.
Axonal depolarization in the form of the generator potential (or receptor potential) which is decrementing, non-propagating, and a function of stimulus intensity.
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4.
Initiation of action potentials (APs); AP frequency is a function of receptor type and stimulus intensity.
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© 1987 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
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Thies, R., Person, R.J., Foreman, R.D. (1987). Neurophysiology. In: Thies, R., Person, R.J. (eds) Physiology. Oklahoma Notes. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0292-6_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0292-6_2
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-96340-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-0292-6
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