Final answer:
The weakest stimulus that produces a response in sensory receptor cells 50% of the time is known as the absolute threshold.
Step-by-step explanation:
For sensory receptor cells, the "threshold of detection" is the weakest stimulus that produces a response that can be detected 50% of the time. This is known as the absolute threshold. A good example of how sensitive our sensory receptors can be is that on a clear night, some sensory cells in our eyes are capable of detecting a candle flame 30 miles away. The concept of absolute threshold is important not only in understanding sensory capabilities but also in designing sensors for various applications.
This term highlights the amazing sensitivity of our sensory systems, such as being able to detect a candle flame at a distance of 30 miles at night.
Reception is the activation of sensory receptors by stimuli. The absolute threshold represents the point at which a stimulus is just strong enough to excite sensory receptors, enabling the receptor to produce a nerve impulse received by the brain. Meanwhile, stimuli perceived below this threshold are classified as subliminal and do not usually affect our behavior significantly.