Final answer:
The pretectal nuclei play a role in the pupillary light reflex by receiving signals from the optic nerve and sending them to the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the oculomotor complex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pretectal nuclei play a role in the pupillary light reflex. When light hits the retina, the optic nerve sends a signal to the pretectal nucleus in the midbrain. From there, a neuron projects to the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the oculomotor complex, which then stimulates the parasympathetic fibers to constrict the pupil. This reflex helps regulate the amount of light entering the eye to protect the retina.