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) |