Question
Use the following to answer the next question
In an experiment, skin was exposed to different
temperatures. The frequency of firing of action
potentials from temperature receptors was
recorded. The average frequency was then used
to sketch the graph in Figure 1.
Frequency of Action Potential Firing
v.Skin Tenmperature
wam
cold
20
30
40
50
Skin Temperature CC)
Figure 1
4.
a) Identify the temperature at which hot and cold temperature receptors fire most
frequently
b) Using the data collected, justify whether the body is more sensitive to warm or cold
stimuli.
Answer
a) Hot temperature receptors fire most frequently at 50°C, and cold temperature receptors fire most frequently at 20°C.
b) The body is more sensitive to cold stimuli, as the frequency of action potential firing is higher at 20°C than at 50°C.