Final answer:
In the context of smooth muscle activity, a change in cell tension without an alteration in electrical potential is referred to as pharmacomechanical coupling.
Step-by-step explanation:
A change in smooth muscle cell tension in the absence of a change in electrical potential of the cells is described as pharmacomechanical coupling. This phenomenon occurs when molecules such as hormones or drugs interact with receptors on the smooth muscle cells to cause a change in tension or contraction without a preceding change in membrane potential. Unlike electromechanical coupling, which involves depolarization and the action potential-mediated entry of Ca++ ions, pharmacomechanical coupling does not require a change in membrane potential.
Smooth muscle control and contraction can be stimulated through different mechanisms, including electrical signals and the binding of substances to the muscle cells. While the pacemaker potential and slow wave potential are related to rhythmic electrical activities that lead to muscle contraction, they follow changes in electrical potential and are not the correct answers in this context.