When you are walking on a smooth surface with bare feet and step on a small rock, you notice the rock more than you notice the feeling of a smooth surface. How does stepping on the rock affect the conduction of sensory information to the central nervous system?
A) The raised surface of the rock produces a stronger stimulus that leads to a greater number of action potentials in those sensory neurons.
B) The raised surface of the rock produces a stronger stimulus that leads to a greater amplitude of action potentials in those sensory neurons.
C) The raised surface of the rock produces a stimulus that leads to action potentials in those sensory neurons, while the sensory neurons stimulated by a smooth surface do not respond.
D) All of the sensory neurons in the foot respond equally, but filtering in the central nervous system causes you to notice the rock.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The raised surface of the rock produces a stronger stimulus that activates more sensory receptors, leading to a greater number of action potentials in those sensory neurons. This increased firing rate sends a stronger signal to the central nervous system, making us more likely to notice the sensation of stepping on the rock compared to the smooth surface.

When You Are Walking on a Smooth Surface with Bare