Biology / Unit 12 Bio 2877 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Stimulus Intensity Encoding
Captions available
The idea
Sensory systems encode stimulus intensity two ways: a stronger stimulus raises a receptor's action-potential firing rate, and it also recruits more nearby receptors at once.
In practice
A light touch activates few receptors firing slowly; firm pressure activates many receptors firing rapidly.
Where people slip
Intensity encoding uses rate and recruitment together — neither alone fully explains how the nervous system represents stimulus strength.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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