pupil dilation

Iris opening enlarges

Pupil dilation is the widening of the dark circular opening at the center of the eye.

The pupils dilate automatically in low light to let in more visual information, and constrict in bright light.

Certain drugs cause dilation, which is why dilated pupils can signal intoxication.

Pupils also dilate in response to arousal, interest, or attraction—a fact exploited by researchers studying unconscious responses: The study measured pupil dilation while subjects viewed images.

Related

emotional response · belladonna · autonomic nervous system · photoreceptors · bright light · fear · neuroscience · retina · attraction · bedroom eyes · arousal · fight-or-flight response · psychology · adrenaline · anticholinergic · drugs · diagnostic tool · lie detection

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Opposites
pupil size change direction

pupil dilationmiosis

Pupil narrowing response

light response behavior

pupil dilationsquinting

Narrowing eyes to see

eye closing

emotional/arousal state indication

pupil dilationrelaxation response

Body's stress-reversing state

Family

pupil, dilation

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