Tom walked into the anatomy lab for the first time and was overpowered by the odor of formaldehyde.By the end of the lab,he said there was only a slight smell.This can best be explained by
A) stereochemical desensitization.
B) opponent-process theory.
C) sensory adaptation.
D) gustatory disinhibition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sensory adaptation is the process by which our senses become less responsive to a constant stimulus over time. In this case, Tom's sense of smell became less sensitive to the odor of formaldehyde as he spent more time in the lab, leading to the perception of a decreased smell.

Tom Walked into the Anatomy Lab for the First Time