Pupillary dilation
Pupillary Dilation
Pupillary dilation (pronunciation: pyoo-pil-er-ee dih-lay-shuhn) is a medical term referring to the expansion or widening of the pupil of the eye.
Etymology
The term originates from the Latin word 'pupilla', meaning 'little doll', and the Latin word 'dilatare', meaning 'to spread out' or 'expand'.
Definition
Pupillary dilation is a physiological response where the pupil of the eye enlarges or widens in response to various factors such as changes in light, emotional states, or the use of certain medications. This process is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Related Terms
- Mydriasis: This is a term used to describe excessive or prolonged pupillary dilation that is not due to a change in light levels. It can be a symptom of certain diseases or a side effect of certain drugs.
- Miosis: This is the opposite of pupillary dilation, referring to the constriction or narrowing of the pupil. It is also controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
- Anisocoria: This is a condition where the two pupils of an individual are of unequal sizes. It can be a normal variant or a sign of a medical condition.
- Adie's Pupil: This is a condition characterized by a dilated pupil that reacts slowly to light but reacts to accommodation. It is usually a sign of damage to the postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic innervation to the eye.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pupillary dilation
- Wikipedia's article - Pupillary dilation
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