IRIDOCONSTRICTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Iridoconstrictor refers to a type of muscle found in the human eye that is involved in the regulation of the size of the pupil. The word originates from the combination of two terms: "irido," which relates to the iris of the eye, and "constrictor," which refers to something that causes constriction or narrowing.
The iridoconstrictor muscle is primarily responsible for the contraction or constriction of the iris, specifically the circular muscle fibers called the sphincter pupillae. The iris is the colored part of the eye located between the cornea and the lens, and it controls the size of the pupil, the black central opening of the iris.
When the iridoconstrictor muscles contract, they cause the pupil to become smaller in diameter. This mechanism is crucial for regulating the amount of light that enters the eye. In bright environments, the iridoconstrictor muscles contract to constrict the pupil, reducing the amount of light passing through. Conversely, in darker conditions, the muscles relax to dilate the pupil, allowing more light to enter.
The function of the iridoconstrictor muscle is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic branch. The parasympathetic nerves stimulate the contraction of these muscles, while the sympathetic nerves have an opposing effect by causing the dilation of the pupil. The balance between these two systems helps to maintain appropriate pupillary size under different lighting conditions.
Overall, the iridoconstrictor muscle plays a vital role in the eye's ability to adapt to varying light intensities, by regulating the size of the pupil and controlling the amount of light that reaches the retina.
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Causing contraction of the pupil, noting the circular muscular fibers of the iris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IRIDOCONSTRICTOR
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Etymology of IRIDOCONSTRICTOR
The word "iridoconstrictor" is a compound word formed by combining two root words: "irido-" and "constrictor".
1. "Irido-" comes from the Greek word "iris" (ήριδα), which means "rainbow". It refers to the colored part of the eye, the iris, which is responsible for controlling the size of the pupil.
2. "Constrictor" comes from the Latin word "constrictus", which means "to bind together" or "to tighten". In this context, it refers to the muscle that contracts and constricts the size of the pupil.
Therefore, the etymology of "iridoconstrictor" reflects the combination of these two roots to describe a muscle that controls the constriction of the iris or the size of the pupil.
