Which term means unequal pupil size?

Which term means unequal pupil size?

• A. Ambulate
• B. Anorexia
• C. Anisocoria
• D. Apnea

Answer: (C)

Unequal pupil size is described by the term anisocoria. It means one pupil is larger or smaller than the other, reflecting a difference in the autonomic control of the iris. In most animals, the pupils should be roughly equal and reactive to light; when they aren’t, it can indicate something happening either in the eye itself or along the neural pathways that control pupil size. Some cases are harmless and normal for a particular patient (physiologic anisocoria), but persistent differences or accompanying signs like drooping eyelid or changes in vision warrant further evaluation for potential neurological or ocular problems. The other terms refer to completely different concepts: ambulate means to walk; anorexia means loss of appetite; apnea means absence of breathing.

Unequal pupil size is described by the term anisocoria. It means one pupil is larger or smaller than the other, reflecting a difference in the autonomic control of the iris. In most animals, the pupils should be roughly equal and reactive to light; when they aren’t, it can indicate something happening either in the eye itself or along the neural pathways that control pupil size. Some cases are harmless and normal for a particular patient (physiologic anisocoria), but persistent differences or accompanying signs like drooping eyelid or changes in vision warrant further evaluation for potential neurological or ocular problems.

The other terms refer to completely different concepts: ambulate means to walk; anorexia means loss of appetite; apnea means absence of breathing.