Question

1. Can a sensory receptor transmit signals for two different modalities? Why or why not?
2. Can a nerve transmit action potentials from different types of sensory receptors? Why or why not?

Answer 1

A) No,A sensory receptor cannot transmit signals from two different modalities.

Each unique type of sensation such as touch, pain, vision or hearing is called a sensory modality.A given sensory neuron carry information for only one sensory modality. Neuron relaying impulses for touch to the somatosensory area of cerebral cortex don't transmit impulses for pain. Likewise, nerve impulses from the eyes are perceived as sight and those from ears are perceived as sound .

B)NO,A NERVE CANNOT TRASMIT ACTION POTENTIALS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF SENSORY RECEPTORS.

The process of sensation begins in a sensory receptor which can be either a specialized cell or the dendrites of a sensory neuron. A given sensory receptor responds vigorously to one particular kind of stimulus. A sensory receptor respond only weakly or nokt at all to other stimuli. This characteristic of sensory receptor is called selectivity.

Sensory neurons are also called afferent neurons.Neurons in the central nervous system, which can convert a specific type of stimulus,through their receptors, into action potential(graded potential)are called sensory neurons. This process is also called sensory transduction.

Each type of sensory neurons have specific sensory receptors that exhibit selectivity.It can transduce only one kind of stimulus