Pupillary Reflex

•Clinical test for brain stem function.

•Shine bright light into patient’s eye.

•Normal response: pupils constrict in response to light stimulus.

•Reflex via autonomic nervous system.

•Sensory input of bright light- to brain via optic nerve (II)

– parasympathetic impulses out via oculomotor nerve (III) – circular muscles of eye constrict.

•Pupil observation important when considering head injury care.