Biology / Unit 12 Bio 2873 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Receptive Field and Receptor Specificity
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The idea
A receptor's receptive field is the region in space where a stimulus can activate it, and receptor specificity means each type responds mainly to one kind of stimulus.
In practice
A touch receptor's receptive field requires contact; a visual receptor's field can reach light-years away.
Where people slip
A free nerve ending shows little specificity, responding to touch, temperature, and pain alike, unlike most receptor types.
Your place on the trail
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