Mechanism
The optic nerve, or more precisely, the photosensitive ganglion cells through the retinohypothalamic tract, is responsible for the afferent limb of the pupillary reflex - it senses the incoming light. The oculomotor nerve is responsible for the efferent limb of the pupillary reflex - it drives the muscles that constrict the pupil.
Read more about this topic: Pupillary Light Reflex
Famous quotes containing the word mechanism:
“The law isnt justice. Its a very imperfect mechanism. If you press exactly the right buttons and are also lucky, justice may show up in the answer. A mechanism is all the law was ever intended to be.”
—Raymond Chandler (18881959)
“Life is an offensive, directed against the repetitious mechanism of the Universe.”
—Alfred North Whitehead (18611947)
“Ive never known a Philadelphian who wasnt a downright character; possibly a defense mechanism resulting from the dullness of their native habitat.”
—Anita Loos (18881981)