Question

Karan was standing on a high stool and cleaning the ceiling fan. 
He suddenly loses balance and sustains a head injury. An examination reveals that his pupils have lost the capacity to constrict in bright light. Which structure has been damaged?

• A. Suspensory ligaments
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Eye lens
• D. Eye lid

Hint:

The medulla oblongata plays a crucial role in regulating autonomic functions like pupil constriction and dilation. Damage to this area can impair these reflexes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the problem.
The loss of the ability to constrict pupils in bright light suggests a disruption in the autonomic regulation of the eye. The autonomic nervous system, which controls pupil constriction and dilation, is governed by structures in the brainstem, particularly the midbrain and the medulla oblongata.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Suspensory ligaments: These are ligaments that hold the eye lens in place. They don't have a direct role in controlling pupil constriction, so this is not the correct answer.
- (B) Medulla oblongata: The medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, is responsible for regulating autonomic functions like heart rate, breathing, and pupil constriction. Damage to the medulla could impair the pupillary reflex.
- (C) Eye lens: The eye lens is responsible for focusing light onto the retina but does not control pupil constriction. This is not the correct answer.
- (D) Eye lid: The eyelid protects the eye and plays a role in blinking but does not regulate pupil constriction. This is not the correct answer.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The inability to constrict the pupils in bright light is indicative of damage to the medulla oblongata, which controls the autonomic functions of the pupils. Therefore, the correct answer is (B). Final Answer: (B) Medulla oblongata.