The increase in threshold of a receptor when a series of stimuli of subthreshold intensity are applied in succession is called as__________
## **Core Concept**
The concept being tested here relates to the physiology of neural receptors and their response to stimuli. Specifically, it involves understanding how receptors behave when subjected to repeated stimuli, particularly when those stimuli are of subthreshold intensity. This concept is crucial in neurophysiology and helps in understanding how neural signaling works.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The term **accommodation** refers to the phenomenon where the threshold of a receptor or nerve increases when a series of stimuli of subthreshold intensity are applied in succession. This means that even though individual stimuli are not strong enough to trigger an action potential, repeated application of such stimuli can lead to an increase in the threshold required for an action potential to occur. This is a protective mechanism that prevents overstimulation and potential damage. Accommodation is a well-documented physiological phenomenon observed in excitable tissues.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Refractory period refers to the time during and after an action potential when a neuron is unable to generate another action potential. This does not relate directly to the response to subthreshold stimuli applied in succession.
- **Option B:** Summation refers to the process where multiple stimuli combine to generate an action potential. While related to the integration of stimuli, it does not specifically describe an increase in threshold due to repeated subthreshold stimuli.
- **Option C:** Facilitation is a process where the effect of a stimulus is enhanced by a previous stimulus, often leading to an increased response. This is the opposite of accommodation.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that accommodation is an important concept in understanding how nerves adapt to repetitive stimuli, which can have implications in clinical scenarios such as repetitive nerve stimulation tests used in diagnosing myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Accommodation.