Cutaneous vasodilation/vasoconstriction

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Labminion

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Hoping somebody could clarify a bit of a contradiction in one of my review books: one section claims that activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes cutaneous vasoconstriction (causing one to become pale and cold when frightened). In an earlier chapter, it claims the effect of sympathetic NS activation is to increase flushing and sweating. Which is correct?

Thanks for your help!

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The effects are localized. Follow the fight/flight idea.

You want to shunt blood where it will be needed so you vasoconstrict the majority of cutaneous BV to shunt blood to muscles, etc.

However, you will be burning a lot of energy so your pits, etc will dilate allowing heat release and sweating to occur. Typically you get flushing in the face and head.
 
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