CILIARY REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "ciliary reflex" refers to an involuntary physiological response involving the contraction or relaxation of the muscles of the ciliary body, specifically the ciliary muscles in the eye. These muscles are responsible for controlling the shape of the lens in the eye, which is crucial for focusing on objects at different distances.
When triggered, the ciliary reflex leads to the adjustment of the lens curvature in response to changes in the distance of the object being viewed. This reflex is essential for the process of accommodation, which enables the eye to focus on objects located at varying distances from the viewer.
The ciliary reflex operates via the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic system. Stimulation of the parasympathetic fibers causes the ciliary muscles to contract, resulting in a reduction in tension on the suspensory ligaments that hold the lens. This contraction facilitates the rounding of the lens, allowing for near vision.
Conversely, the absence or inhibition of the ciliary reflex leads to the relaxation of the ciliary muscles, resulting in the flattening of the lens. This enables the eye to focus on objects situated at a distance.
Overall, the ciliary reflex plays a crucial role in maintaining clear vision by adjusting the shape and curvature of the lens according to the distance of the object being observed.
-
Accommodation r., contraction of the pupil when the gaze is turned from a distant to a near object.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CILIARY REFLEX
- ciliary refle8
- ciliary refleh
- ciliary reflep
- ciliary refley
- c iliary reflex
- ci liary reflex
- cil iary reflex
- cili ary reflex
- cilia ry reflex
- ciliar y reflex
- ciliary r eflex
- ciliary re flex
- ciliary ref lex
- ciliary refl ex
- ciliary refle x
Etymology of CILIARY REFLEX
The word "ciliary" in "ciliary reflex" relates to the cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures found in various parts of the body. In this case, it refers to the cilia on the cornea and the ciliary body of the eye.
The term "reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "turned back". It refers to an involuntary response or reaction to a particular stimulus.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "ciliary reflex" can be understood as the reflexive response that occurs in the ciliary muscles and ciliary body of the eye.
