Sensitivity

Stimulus (physiology)

In physiology, a stimulus is a change within an organism's internal or external environment. This change, when detected by an organism or organ using sensitivity, can lead to a physiological reaction. Sensory receptors can receive stimuli from outside the body, as in touch receptors in skin or light receptors in the eye, as well as from inside the body, as in chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors. When detected by a sensory receptor, a stimulus can elicit a reflex via stimulus transduction. An internal stimulus is often the first component of a homeostatic control system. External stimuli are capable of producing systemic responses throughout a body, as in the fight-or-flight response. For a stimulus to be detected with high probability, its level of strength must exceed the absolute threshold; if a signal does reach threshold, the information is transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS), where it is integrated and a decision on how to react is made. Although stimuli commonly cause the body to respond, it is the CNS that finally determines whether a signal causes a reaction or not.

Sensory processing sensitivity

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a temperamental or personality trait involving "an increased sensitivity of the central nervous system and a deeper cognitive processing of physical, social, and emotional stimuli". The trait is characterized by "a tendency to 'pause to check' in novel situations, greater sensitivity to subtle stimuli, and the engagement of deeper cognitive processing strategies for employing coping actions, all of which is driven by heightened emotional reactivity, both positive and negative".

Sensitivity (electronics)

The sensitivity of an electronic device, such as a communications system receiver, or detection device, such as a PIN diode, is the minimum magnitude of input signal required to produce a specified output signal having a specified signal-to-noise ratio, or other specified criteria. In general, it is the signal level required for a particular quality of received information.

sensitivity

Noun

1. The quality or state of being sensitive; sensitiveness.
2. The ability of an organism or organ to respond to external stimuli.