The miotic phase is a stage in cell division where the chromosomes condense and align before separating. The correct spelling of "miotic" is /maɪˈɒtɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. The /m/ sound is followed by a diphthong /aɪ/ (pronounced like "eye") and then a short 'o' sound /ɒ/. The next syllable has the /t/ sound followed by a short /ɪ/ sound and ending with a /k/ sound. The spelling of this word is derived from the Greek word "meiosis" meaning "to diminish".
The term "miotic phase" refers to a specific stage in the process of the human pupil's constriction or narrowing. During this phase, the circular muscle fibers surrounding the pupil, known as the iris sphincter, contract in response to certain stimuli. As a result, the pupil becomes smaller in size, allowing lesser amounts of light to enter the eye.
The miotic phase occurs as a part of the pupillary light reflex, which is an automatic and protective response of the eye to changes in the intensity of light. When exposed to bright light, the miotic phase is activated to reduce the amount of light entering the eye and prevent overload and potential damage to the retina. Conversely, in dim lighting conditions, the miotic phase relaxes, allowing the pupil to dilate, and allowing more light to enter.
This physiological process is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, specifically the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), which sends signals to the iris sphincter muscle, prompting it to contract or relax accordingly. Disorders affecting the miotic phase can have various causes, including medication side effects, nerve damage, or certain eye conditions. Clinical assessment of the miotic phase can be performed by measuring the size of the pupil.
In conclusion, the miotic phase represents the stage in which the pupil constricts or becomes smaller, triggered by the activation of the iris sphincter muscle. This phase is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system and serves as a protective mechanism for the eye in response to changing light conditions.
• Reduction phase; the stage of nuclear changes in the sexual cells during which reduction of the chromosomes takes place; it embraces the cell-generations of the spermatocytes and oocytes.
• See miotic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "miotic phase" is derived from the word "miotic", which comes from the Greek word "mioō" (μιόω), meaning "to close or constrict". The suffix "-ic" is added to turn it into an adjective form. When referring to a "miotic phase", it usually relates to the contraction or constriction of the pupils in the eye.