# Neural Adaptation --- **Neural adaptation** is a phenomenon whereby the [[afferent nervous system|sensory receptors]] of the nervous system **gradually reduce their responsiveness** to a consistant sitmuili over time. For example, getting used to a particular smell, or not being constantly aware of the way the clothes you're wearing feel against your skin. This is a way for your brain to [[sensory gating|filter]] out repetitve or sonsitant stimulus, to avoid overloading the brain. This adaption can happen quite rapidly—even in seconds—or it can take hours or even days to occur. Not all neurons perform neural adaptation. **Tonic receptors** do not really do adaptation, they respond continuously. **Phasic receptors** adapt rapidly, like smell or sense of your shirt on your torso. ___