The word "dilator iridis" refers to a muscle that dilates the iris. Its spelling is based on Latin and Greek roots. "Dilator" comes from the Latin word "dilatare," which means to widen, while "iridis" comes from the Greek word "ίρις," which means iris. The correct pronunciation of "dilator iridis" is [daɪleɪtər ɪˈraɪdɪs] or "dye-LAY-tor ih-RIH-dis", which is in accordance with the International Phonetic Alphabet. The correct spelling and pronunciation of this medical term are important to ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
Dilator iridis is a medical term used to refer to the dilator muscle of the iris. The iris is the pigmented circular structure located in the eye that surrounds the pupil, controlling the amount of light entering the eye by either constricting or dilating. The dilator iridis is one of two main muscles that regulates the size of the pupil.
The dilator iridis is responsible for pupil dilation. It is composed of smooth muscle fibers arranged radially, stretching from the edge of the iris towards the pupil. When the dilator muscle contracts, it causes the radial fibers to pull apart, resulting in the enlargement of the pupil.
This involuntary muscle function is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, primarily through the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nerve fibers innervate the dilator muscle, facilitating its contraction and consequently pupillary dilation. The dilation of the pupil allows more light to enter the eye, enhancing vision in conditions of low light.
The dilator iridis is of vital importance in ophthalmology, as abnormal functioning of this muscle can lead to conditions such as impairment of the pupillary response or anisocoria - a condition where the pupils are of different sizes. These conditions may be caused by underlying diseases or ocular trauma and may require medical intervention to correct or manage the situation effectively.
The radiating fibers of the iris, contraction of which dilates the pupil.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "dilator iridis" is derived from Latin. "Dilator" comes from the verb "dilatare", meaning "to widen" or "to enlarge". "Iridis" refers to the iris, which is the colored portion of the eye. In medical terminology, "dilator iridis" specifically refers to the dilator muscle of the iris, which controls the dilation of the pupil.