Habituation

Habituation

1. Weakened response to stimulus as a result of repeated presentations

2. Can occur in all senses

3. Aplysia Californica

   • Repeated water jet to body causes gill to stop withdrawing
   • Around 300 neurons take part in gill withdrawal reflex

4. EPSPs in motor neuron become smaller

   • Neuron is receiving less NT
   • If receiving less NT in postsynaptic motor neuron
     • Changes must be taking place in presynaptic sensory neuron

5. Causes voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to become less responsive to voltage changes

   • Less neurotransmitter release