What effect does the sympathetic nervous system NOT produce when activated?

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response, which involves a variety of physiological changes to prepare the body for action. When activated, it typically produces effects such as increased heart rate, shunting of blood to vital organs, and dilation of the bronchi to improve oxygen intake.

Pupillary constriction, however, is not one of the effects produced by the sympathetic nervous system. Instead, it is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest-and-digest activities. In contrast, the sympathetic response leads to pupillary dilation, allowing more light into the eyes and enhancing vision under stressful conditions.

Understanding the functions of these two branches of the autonomic nervous system is crucial for recognizing how the body responds to different stimuli. The sympathetic nervous system activates processes that support immediate survival, while the parasympathetic system promotes conservation and restoration of energy.