What is the term for the tendency of sensory receptor cells to become less responsive to a constant stimulus?

The term for the tendency of sensory receptor cells to become less responsive to a constant stimulus is sensory adaptation. This process involves the diminishing sensitivity of sensory receptors to a continuous and unchanging stimulus over time. For example, when you first enter a room with a strong odor, you may notice it immediately; however, after being in the room for a while, the scent becomes less noticeable. This is because the sensory receptors in your nose begin to adapt to the constant presence of the odor and reduce their response to it.

Sensory adaptation is important for helping organisms focus on changes in the environment rather than unchanging stimuli, allowing them to detect new or significant information selectively. It plays a crucial role in perception, as it helps to prevent sensory overload and enables individuals to respond more effectively to new stimuli that may require attention.