
What is consensual reflex of the pupil?
Mar 26, 2020 · What is consensual pupillary response? A consensual response is any reflex observed on one side of the body when the other side has been stimulated. For example, if an individual's right eye is shielded and light shines into the left eye, constriction of the right pupil will occur, as well as the left. Click to see full answer.
What is the difference between direct and consensual pupillary responses?
Observe the pupil size and shape at rest, looking for anisocoria (one pupil larger than the other) Observe the direct response (constriction of the illuminated pupil) Observe the consensual response (constriction of the opposite pupil) Repeat with the opposite pupil; Check for accommodation (constriction of pupil when viewing a close object)
What is the pupillary response to light?
1. constriction of the pupil when a light is shone into the same (direct light reflex) or the opposite eye (indirect or consensual light reflex). 2. a luminous image reflected when light strikes the normal tympanic membrane. lung r's Hering-Breuer reflexes.
What is a consensual response?
Jul 31, 2021 · Direct and consensual pupillary light reflexes test for appropriate neurological pathway connections and functioning of both cranial nerve II and III. Light entering the eye is processed through the pupillary light reflex, and signals directed to the iris sphincter muscle to adjust the amount of light that reaches the retina.

Is consensual pupillary response normal?
The right consensual reflex is intact. When the left eye is stimulated by light, the right pupil constricts, because the afferent limb on the left and the efferent limb on the right are both intact. The right direct reflex is intact. When light is shone into right eye, right pupil constricts.
What causes consensual pupillary response?
Pupillary reflexes In the light reflex, the pupils constrict when light is shone on the retina. If one eye only is stimulated, both pupils constrict, the so-called consensual reflex. The afferents are optic nerve fibres which pass to both pretectal nuclei, crossing in the posterior commissure.
How do you test for consensual response?
1:075:19How to Check Pupil Reflexes Response | Nursing Clinical SkillsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a consensual response the direct response is when you shine light into one eye. And you'reMoreAnd a consensual response the direct response is when you shine light into one eye. And you're looking specifically at that pupil to see if it constricts.
What is right consensual response?
A consensual response is any reflex observed on one side of the body when the other side has been stimulated. For example, if an individual's right eye is shielded and light shines into the left eye, constriction of the right pupil will occur, as well as the left.
What is Marcus Gunn pupil?
Marcus Gunn pupil (MGP) is the term given to an abnormal pupil showing aberrant pupillary response in certain ocular disorders. In literature, the term is often used synonymously with Marcus Gunn phenomenon or relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). [1] After exposure to bright light, a normal pupil constricts.Feb 21, 2022
What is Adie's tonic pupil?
Adie's tonic pupil refers to a dilated, poorly reactive pupil, presumably from dysfunction of the ciliary ganglion behind the eye. The nerves responsible for pupil constriction connect through the ciliary ganglion. When they are damaged the pupil dilates. Sometimes, over time, the second eye becomes affected.
Is the consensual reflex somatic or autonomic?
Autonomic ReflexesAutonomic Reflexes- The autonomic reflexes include the pupillary reflexes as well as many others. 1. Pupillary Reflexes- There are several types of pupillary reflexes- the pupillary light reflex and the consensual reflex.
Why do doctors check pupillary response?
Pupil dilation is performed to purposefully increase the size of the pupils during an eye exam so that the eye doctor can fully examine the health of the optic nerve and retina. The exam is critical to preventing and treating eye conditions that could potentially lead to vision loss.Jul 5, 2021
What does APD mean in ophthalmology?
1. A relative afferent pupillary defect (APD), when present, is an important marker in the evaluation of unilateral or asymmetric function of the anterior visual pathway. 1-4. It serves as an indication of reduced afferent input from the retina or optic nerve when compared with the fellow eye. 3.Sep 15, 2017
How do I find my pupillary response?
Performing the Exam for Pupillary ResponsesObserve the pupil size and shape at rest, looking for anisocoria (one pupil larger than the other)Observe the direct response (constriction of the illuminated pupil)Observe the consensual response (constriction of the opposite pupil)Repeat with the opposite pupil.More items...
What is the consensual reflex of the pupil quizlet?
It is the response of the eye that is being stimulated by light. What is consensual Pupillary Light Reflex? It is the response of the eye that is not being stimulated by light.
What is the corneal reflex?
cough reflex the sequence of events initiated by the sensitivity of the lining of the airways and mediated by the medulla as a consequence of impulses transmitted by the vagus nerve, resulting in coughing, i.e., the clearing of the passageways of foreign matter.
What is reflex in psychology?
reflex. a reflected action or movement; the sum total of any particular automatic response mediated by the nervous system. A reflex is built into the nervous system and does not need the intervention of conscious thought to take effect. The knee jerk is an example of the simplest type of reflex.
How many nerves are involved in a simple reflex?
This reflex, or simple reflex arc, involves only two nerves and one synapse. The leg begins to jerk up while the brain is just becoming aware of the tap. Other simple reflexes, the stretch reflexes, help the body maintain its balance. Every time a muscle is stretched, it reacts with a reflex impulse to contract.
What is accommodation reflex?
accommodation reflex the coordinated changes that occur when the eye adapts itself for near vision; they are constriction of the pupil, convergence of the eyes, and increased convexity of the lens. Achilles reflex ankle jerk. acoustic reflex contraction of the stapedius muscle in response to intense sound.
What is conditioned reflex?
A conditioned reflex is one acquired as the result of experience. When an action is done repeatedly the nervous system becomes familiar with the situation and learns to react automatically, and a new reflex is built into the system.
What is the meaning of light reflex?
light reflex. 1. constriction of the pupil when a light is shone into the same (direct light reflex) or the opposite eye ( indirect or consensual light reflex). 2. a luminous image reflected when light strikes the normal tympanic membrane. lung r's Hering-Breuer reflexes.
What is the pathway of a simple reflex?
Nerve pathway of a simple reflex. When the sensory nerve ending is stimulated, a nerve impulse travels along a sensory (afferent) neuron to the spinal cord. Here an association neuron transfers the impulse to a motor (efferent) neuron.
What is the pupillary light reflex?
The pupillary light reflex constricts the pupil in response to light, and pupillary constriction is achieved through the innervation of the iris sphincter muscle. Eyes allow for visualization of the world by receiving and processing light stimuli. The pupillary light reflex constricts the pupil in response to light, ...
Why do pupils become dilated?
Opioids are used for pain relief by interacting with opioid receptors, including mu, delta, and kappa. With significant respiratory depression resulting in hypoxia, pupils can become dilated. Oxygenation causes the pupils to revert to the original pinpoint presentation caused by the opioid.
What is the contraction of the iris sphincter muscles?
The contraction of the iris sphincter muscles leads to pupillary constriction (miosis).[3] This extensive pathway is being tested when a light is shined in the eyes. And, because of the crossing fibers, there is not only a direct pupillary reflex but also a consensual pupillary light reflex.
Which nerve sends impulses to the brain for further processing and image recognition?
The optic nerve sends impulses to the brain for further processing and image recognition.[1] These are the first steps of the pupillary light reflex afferent pathway. The optic nerve then forms the optic chiasm, which diverges into a left and right optic tract.
Which side of the optic chiasm is the temporal retinal fiber?
At the optic chiasm, nasal retinal fibers will cross to the contralateral side of the optic tract, and the temporal retinal fibers continue on the ipsilateral side. Thus, the right optic tract will contain temporal retinal fibers from the right eye, as well as nasal retinal fibers from the left eye.
How do eyes help us visualize the world?
Eyes allow visualization of the world by receiving and processing the energy of light as it enters the eye. This light interacts with the structures and nerves of the eye to create images. Adjustments via the muscles connected to the lens, ciliary bodies, and muscles that make up the iris are stimulated by several nerves.
Why do students become mydriatic?
Pupils can become mydriatic, or dilate, in response to potential disease, drug toxicity, trauma, increased intracranial pressure, brainstem damage, or nerve damage to cranial nerve II and/or III. [5] Abnormalities also depend on where in the track the damage has been done.
What is the process of pupillary constriction?
The pupillary constriction of each eye occurs when the retina, or optic nerve and the pretectal nucleus of each eye take sensory information from the outside. When one of the eyes of one individual is covered and the other eye is illuminated, the contraction of the pupil of both eyes must occur simultaneously and uniformly.
How to test for pupillary contracting?
The steps to carry out this test are as follows: Use a flashlight that can be focused close to the eye in a dimly lit room. Ask the patient to look from a distance while the eye is illuminated. This will prevent the pupil from contracting due to the reaction to the proximity of the flashlight during the test.
Why is consensual reflex important?
Consensual reflex is important in determining whether there is neurological or central nervous system damage. If the contraction of the pupils occurs unevenly it can be concluded that there is damage to the cranial nerves of the patient. Similarly, the consensual reflex can help determine if there are damage to the retina or oculomotor nerves.
What is consensual reflex?
What is the consensual reflex? He Consensual reflex Is any reflex observed on one side of the body when the other side has been stimulated. This reflex is evidenced mainly in the process of contracting the pupil of both eyes by illuminating only one of them (Dictionary, 2017). The pupillary response to light is the reduction in pupil size when ...
What are the disorders of the optic nerve?
Some of these disorders may include the following: Inflammation of the optic nerve (Optic neuritis). High intraocular pressure (severe glaucoma). Direct or indirect ocular trauma (Traumatic optic neuropathy). Tumor of the optic nerve. Disease in the orbit of the eye. Optic atrophy.
What is the size of the pupil under normal light conditions?
Manifestation of the consensual reflex. The size and shape of the pupil under normal light conditions is in the range of 1 to 8 millimeters. When the pupils function correctly, they are said to be isochronous, meaning that they react in the same way to the stimulus of light.
What happens if the optic nerve of the illuminated eye is damaged?
If the optic nerve of the illuminated eye is damaged, the pupil reflex does not take place , therefore the consensual reflex does not take place, since the eye that is not being stimulated receives no message. However, if the optic nerve of the eye being illuminated and the oculomotor nerve of the eye that is not being stimulated are in perfect ...
How to test pupillary response to light?
The pupillary response to light should be examined in a dimly lighted room , where the pupils are naturally dilated. First, the size and symmetry of the pupils are assessed by shining a dim light onto the face from below so that both pupils are seen simultaneously in the indirect illumination. To test light reactivity, gaze is directed at a distant object (so that constriction secondary to convergence is minimal), and first one and then the other pupil is illuminated with a bright light source. If a pupil reacts poorly to direct light, it is observed as the opposite eye is illuminated (consensual response). Pupils that react poorly to light should be tested for reactivity to the near reflex by first having the patient gaze at a distant object and then quickly fixate on an object just in front of his or her nose. Light-near dissociation refers to a pupil that does not react to light but does accommodate by constricting to a near target.
What is the pupil response to bright light?
Pupils. Pupillary response to bright light evaluates cranial nerves II and III and should be absent in both eyes. Most pupils in brain death are nonreactive and midposition. Round, oval, irregular, or dilated pupils are compatible with brain death, however, provided that they are not reactive. Although many drugs can affect pupil size, ...
What is the oculocephalic reflex?
The oculocephalic reflex, or doll's eye reflex, which consists of vigorous rotation of the head from midposition to 90 degrees, should be undertaken only after cervical spine stability is ensured. In non–brain-dead patients, the eyes deviate to the opposite side of the turning, which is termed the presence of doll's eyes. In brain-dead patients, the eyes do not move and retain their orientation, which is termed the absence of doll's eyes. Caloric testing is complementary to the preceding and necessary when the assessment of the oculocephalic reflex cannot be assessed by head turning because of cervical spine injury. Caloric testing is undertaken after inspection visualizes the tympanic membrane and with the head at 30 degrees. Approximately 50 mL of ice water is injected through a small suction catheter directly into the ear canal. In non–brain-dead patients, there is slow deviation to the cold caloric stimulus. In brain-dead patients, there should be no response. One minute of observation and 5 minutes between right and left stimulations are required. Aminoglycosides, sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants, anticholinergics, and antiepileptic medications can minimize or abort the caloric response.
Why did pupil dilation increase in crime related statements?
There was a slight increase in pupil dilation for the crime-related statements over the neutral statements, but this increase may have been due to having more SoE to use for the crime statements requiring greater cognitive resources, higher emotional arousal elicited by a perceived threat in these statements, or both.
Why is magnifying the pupil useful?
Magnification is sometimes useful (surgical 2.5× loupes come in handy) and the ability to easily modify the room lighting while observing the pupils . The pupillary responses to light and dark, not only the diameter measurements but also the dynamic response, give invaluable information.
What is the absence of doll's eyes?
In brain-dead patients, the eyes do not move and retain their orientation , which is termed the absence of doll's eyes.
Does atropine affect pupil size?
Although many drugs can affect pupil size, the response to light should be preserved. Neuromuscular blockade should not affect pupillary reactivity; atropine in conventional doses likewise should not affect reactivity.
Which lobe is responsible for the pupillary response?
The neural pathway for this triad of responses is not completely understood, but the pupillary response is dependent on a supranuclear (frontal and occipital lobe influence) connection between the pupillary sphincter, ciliary body muscles and medial recti neurons.
What causes a miotic pupil?
Efferent sympathetic pupillary defects will cause an abnormally miotic pupil and can occur due to disruption of the pupillary fibers anywhere along their path from the hypothalamus to the iris dilator. This path is long and courses from the central head, down through the neck and back to the eye, so is susceptible to a variety of problems due to its long route. Pupillary fiber disruption along this path will manifest with anisocoria greater in the dark than light, due to poor dilation of the smaller (affected) pupil. An abnormally constricted pupil could also be due to uveitis or contact with pharmacologic agents. The accompanying table shows a list of some conditions that could cause efferent pupillary defects (and thus anisocoria).
Where do parasympathetic pupillary fibers travel?
Postganglionic parasympathetic pupillary fibers travel along the short ciliary nerves to the ciliary body muscle (93% to 97% of fibers) and to the circumferential iris sphincter (3% to 7% of fibers). Sympathetic innervation to the eye involves a three-neuron chain.
What nerves are innervated by the eyelids?
The eyelids’ smooth levator and Mueller muscles are also innervated by this route, but exit the carotid plexus and follow the oculomotor nerve (CN III) into the orbit. When focus is changed from far to near, a triad of responses occurs: convergence, accommodation and pupillary constriction.
Which pathway of the optic nerve is the afferent?
Pupillary reflex pathways. The afferent (sensory) pupillary pathway begins with the retinal photoreceptors, passes through the optic nerve and optic chiasm and travels along the posterior third of the optic tract. The neural fibers separate from the tract just anterior to the lateral geniculate body.
Is the pupillary response to light sluggish?
The pupil is typically abnormally dilated, exhibits minimal or no response to light, but maintains a sluggish near response with slow redilation. The consensual pupillary response is also typically absent or sluggish. Accommodative tonicity may be similar, with a slow relaxation of the ciliary body after near focusing.
Does APD cause anisocoria?
Though they can coexist, generally an APD does not cause anisocoria. Anisocoria indicates a difference in pupil sizes of 0.4 mm or greater. Physiologic anisocoria, which is less than 1 mm difference between pupils, is found in approximately 20% of the population.
