CONSENSUAL REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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Consensual reflex refers to an involuntary response that occurs simultaneously in both sides of the body, or in both eyes, in response to a stimulus applied to only one side or one eye. It involves a reflex arc that includes sensory nerves, interneurons, and motor nerves.
The term "consensual" in this context indicates that the reflex occurs on the opposite side or organ of the body from where the original stimulus was applied. For example, if a bright light is shone into one eye, the consensual reflex causes both pupils (in both eyes) to constrict simultaneously.
This reflex is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic division, which controls the constriction of the pupil in response to light stimulation. The main nerve involved in this reflex is the oculomotor nerve.
The consensual reflex is an important diagnostic tool in evaluating neurological health and assessing the integrity of nerve pathways. If there is a dysfunction or damage to the nerves involved in this reflex, it may indicate an underlying neurological disorder or injury.
Overall, the consensual reflex is a natural and protective mechanism of the body that ensures both sides or organs respond synchronously to a stimulus originating from only one side or organ.
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Contraction of the pupil of one eye when a light stimulus is applied to the other eye.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CONSENSUAL REFLEX
- xonsensual reflex
- vonsensual reflex
- fonsensual reflex
- donsensual reflex
- cinsensual reflex
- cknsensual reflex
- clnsensual reflex
- cpnsensual reflex
- c0nsensual reflex
- c9nsensual reflex
- cobsensual reflex
- comsensual reflex
- cojsensual reflex
- cohsensual reflex
- conaensual reflex
- conzensual reflex
- conxensual reflex
- condensual reflex
- coneensual reflex
- conwensual reflex
Etymology of CONSENSUAL REFLEX
The term "consensual reflex" typically refers to the pupillary light reflex, a clinical test conducted by doctors to evaluate the response of the pupils to light stimulation. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Consensual: In this context, consensual refers to the fact that both eyes should exhibit a similar response to light. It comes from the Latin word "consensus", meaning "agreement" or "harmony". In the case of the pupillary light reflex, when light is shone into one eye, the other eye should constrict as well.
2. Reflex: A reflex is an involuntary response of the body to a specific stimulus. It is derived from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "reflected". In the case of the pupillary light reflex, the contraction of the pupil occurs automatically in response to light stimulation.
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