Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

The below table lists tonic vs phasic receptors:

Characteristics

Tonic Receptors

Phasic Receptors

Adaptation

Slow adaptation: Continue responding to the sustained stimuli.

Rapid adaptation: Stop responding to the sustained stimuli.

Responsiveness

Continuously respond to the stimuli.

Respond primarily to the changes in stimuli.

Duration

Provide information about the duration of the stimuli.

Provide information about the intensity of the stimuli.

Sensitivity

High sensitivity to stimulus intensity.

High sensitivity to changes in stimulus.

Function

Maintain constant awareness of stimuli.

Detect changes or new stimuli.

Examples

Merkel cells and Ruffini corpuscles.

Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner’s corpuscles.

Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

The difference between tonic and phasic receptors lies in their response patterns. The tonic and phasic receptors are two types of sensory receptors that respond to various stimuli. Tonic receptors maintain a constant response to stimuli whereas phasic receptors only respond to changes in stimuli. In this article, we will look into the differences between tonic and phasic receptors and some of the shared similarities as well.

Table of Content

  • What are Tonic Receptors?
  • What are Phasic Receptors?
  • Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors
  • Similarities Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors
  • Conclusion – Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors
  • Other Related Difference Between Articles
  • FAQs on Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

Similar Reads

What are Tonic Receptors?

The tonic receptors are a type of receptors that show gradual adaptation and provide information about the duration of a stimulus. They typically continue to respond as long as the stimulus persists resulting in a continuous frequency of the action potentials. As a result, tonic receptors convey information about the duration of the stimuli. The response of these receptors is relatively slow....

What are Phasic Receptors?

The Phasic receptors are a type of the sensory receptors that rapidly adapt and primarily respond to the changes in stimuli. These receptors have a quick response time but stop responding when the stimulus is continuous. As a result their action potentials decrease with prolonged stimulation. Phasic receptors provide information about the intensity of the stimuli rather than their duration. Examples of the phasic receptors include Pacinian corpuscles or lamellar corpuscles which are found in the hairless skin of the mammals....

Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

The below table lists tonic vs phasic receptors:...

Similarities Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

The following are the some of the similarities between Tonic and Phasic Receptors:...

Conclusion – Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

In conclusion, tonic receptors exhibit slow adaptation, providing continuous feedback about the duration of stimuli, while phasic receptors rapidly adapt to changes in stimuli, focusing on intensity rather than duration. Together, they play crucial roles in sensory perception, transmitting signals to the central nervous system and contributing to our comprehensive understanding of the environment....

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FAQs on Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors

What is the Main Difference Between Tonic and Phasic Receptors?...

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