Blog

Voluntary Control Over Pupil Size

  • Published12 Aug 2013
  • Author John Kubie
  • Source BrainFacts/SfN

There is a fascinating report in the journal "Current Biology" that states that patients with "locked in syndrome" can communicate by controlling the size of their pupils. This raises a number of questions:

  • What is "locked in syndrome"? What can these patients do and not do?
  • What parts of the brain are necessary for consciousness and how are they affected by the locked in syndrome.
  • What are the mechanisms for brain control over the muscles that control pupil size and other muscles?
  • Is there conscious control over the Autonomic Nervous System?
  • Is there a relation to "biofeedback"? What is biofeedback?
  • What pathway from the cerebral hemispheres to the ANS could be responsible for conscious control of pupillary dilation?


The Society for Neuroscience and its partners are not responsible for the opinions and information posted on this page. Terms & conditions.

CONTENT PROVIDED BY

BrainFacts/SfN

Research & Discoveries

See how discoveries in the lab have improved human health.

Read More

Core Concepts

A beginner's guide to the brain and nervous system.

Explore

Best of BrainFacts Newsletter

Our editors' picks from this month's articles.

SIGN UP