What physiological effect does Pilocarpine induce via ciliary muscle contraction?

Study for the Pharmacology Cholinergic Agents Test. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and detailed explanations. Master your exam preparation today!

Pilocarpine is a muscarinic cholinergic agonist that primarily acts on the eye by stimulating the ciliary muscle. When the ciliary muscle contracts, it causes the lens of the eye to become more rounded, which enhances its ability to focus on near objects. This contraction also leads to pupil constriction, a process known as miosis. This is particularly relevant in conditions such as glaucoma, where the reduction in intraocular pressure is crucial.

The physiological response of pupil constriction occurs as a direct result of the parasympathetic activation that Pilocarpine induces. Muscarinic receptors are located in the iris sphincter muscle, and their stimulation results in a decrease in the pupil size. Thus, the correct answer highlights that Pilocarpine causes pupil constriction through ciliary muscle contraction, important for both visual accommodation and therapeutic effects in eye disorders.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy