Table 1. Tonic and phasic activity in autonomic pathways.

Tonic activity	Phasic Activity
Sympathetic pathways
skin vasoconstriction	sweating (thermal or emotional)
muscle vasoconstriction	piloerection
gut vasoconstriction	increased cardiac output
inhibition of gut motility	mucous saliva production
inhibition of gut secretions	pupil dilation
detrusor relaxation	sexual activity (ejaculation)
internal urethral sphincter contraction
Parasympathetic pathways
reduced cardiac output at rest	accommodation
pupil constriction	tear production in crying
basal tear production	salivation (during speech, eating)
basal saliva secretion	receptive relaxation of stomach
	stomach emptying
	pancreatic secretion
	urination
	sexual activity (erection)