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To assess afferent and efferent neurological pathways responsible for pupillary function, what do you test?

Options:
A) Visual acuity
B) Taste sensitivity
C) Olfactory function
D) Pupillary light reflex

User JohanL
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Pupillary light reflex is tested to assess afferent and efferent neurological pathways for pupillary function, involving the optic and oculomotor nerves for constriction, and the sympathetic nervous system for dilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess the afferent and efferent neurological pathways responsible for pupillary function, you would test the Pupillary light reflex. The pupillary light reflex involves sensory input through the optic nerve (afferent pathway) and a motor response through the oculomotor nerve (efferent pathway) to the ciliary ganglion, which then projects to the circular fibers of the iris. As a result, the pupils constrict to limit the amount of light falling on the retina under bright lighting conditions. The competing reflex for dilation involves the sympathetic nervous system, which becomes responsible for dilating the pupil when light levels are low.

User AdrienTorris
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