Final answer:
The ability to differentiate a pat from a slap is related to tactile sensitivity, involving mechanoreceptors in the skin that respond to physical pressure and are part of the somatosensory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to interpret varying intensities of stimuli, such as distinguishing between a pat and a slap, is primarily associated with tactile sensitivity. This is due to the presence of mechanoreceptors in the skin that can distinguish between different types of physical pressure. The correct answer to the student's question is c. Tactile sensitivity.
Tactile sensitivity is a part of somatosensation, which includes the perception of tactile, pressure, vibration, temperature, and pain sensations. It involves the ability of the sensory receptors, specifically mechanoreceptors like the Pacinian corpuscles, to transduce physical stimuli into neural signals that the brain can interpret. These receptors are distributed throughout the skin and are responsible for the various aspects of touch.
Understanding the nuances of touch, including pressure and vibration, allows us to navigate numerous interactions with our environment and contributes to our overall sensory experience. Through the process of sensory transduction, the mechanoreceptors respond to the intensity of the stimuli, enabling us to perceive the difference between a gentle touch and a forceful one.