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.
Examples of Tonic Receptors
The following are some of the examples of tonic receptors:
- Pain receptors (nociceptors): These receptors continuously signal the presence of the tissue damage or injury even after the initial stimulus has ceased.
- Muscle Length Receptors (muscle spindles): These receptors detect changes in the muscle length and provide constant feedback to central nervous system to regulate muscle tone and posture.
Functions of Tonic Receptors
The below are some of the functions of tonic receptors:
- Continuous signaling: Tonic receptors maintain a steady level of activity in the response to a stimulus, providing continuous information to nervous system.
- Persistent response: They exhibit slow adaptation or no adaptation allowing them to signal the presence of the stimulus for extended periods.
- Sensitivity to Prolonged Stimuli: The tonic receptors are particularly sensitive to long-lasting stimuli making them suitable for the detecting persistent or sustained events.
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
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