Question

When an individual first gets dressed, he or she is conscious of the clothing on his body. A short time later, however, he or she is no longer aware of it. This phenomenon of the CNS ignoring a relatively unimportant sensation is known as ________.

Answer 1

Answer:

Sensory/Receptor adaptation

Explanation:

Sensory adaptation refers to a reduction in sensitivity to a

stimulus after constant exposure to it. While sensory

adaptation reduces our awareness of a constant stimulus, it

helps free up our attention and resources to attend to other

stimuli in the environment around us. All five of our senses

are constantly adjusting to what's around us, as well as to us

individually and what we are experiencing, such as aging or

disease.

Just imagine what it would be like if you didn't experience

sensory adaptation. You might find yourself overwhelmed by

the pungent smell of onions coming from the kitchen or the

blare of the television from the living room. Since constant

exposure to a sensory stimulus reduces our sensitivity to it,

we are able to shift our attention to other things in our

environment rather than focusing on one overwhelming

stimulus.

Answer 2

Answer:

Sensory adaptation.

Explanation:

When the sensory receptors are exposed to a constant stimulus for a prolonged period, the receptors decrease their ability to respond and this leads to a decreased sensitivity of the stimulus. This phenomenon is referred to as sensory adaptation.

Sensory adaptation occurs in all of our five major senses. From taste to smell, touch, sight and hearing. This mechanism is used by the body to ignore trivial and unimportant stimuli and direct our attention to other stimuli around us.

Other examples of sensory adaptation are;

A) When we adapt to constant noise coming from a particular source such as a disco hall.

B) When we no longer notice the smell of our deodorants.

C)When the eyes adjust and adapt to a dark room.