Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Exam. Prepare with insightful quizzes and multiple-choice questions that will enhance your understanding of ophthalmic technology. Get ready for your certification with confidence!

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A drug may stimulate iris dilation by affecting which neurotransmitter?

Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Histamine

The correct answer is: Norepinephrine

The stimulation of iris dilation, also known as mydriasis, is primarily influenced by the sympathetic nervous system, which utilizes norepinephrine as a key neurotransmitter. When norepinephrine is released, it binds to adrenergic receptors in the dilator pupillae muscles of the iris, leading to muscle contraction and subsequent dilation of the pupil. Norepinephrine is central to the fight-or-flight response, where the body prepares for action by increasing alertness, which includes dilating the pupils to allow more light into the eye. This physiological response is particularly relevant in situations where improved vision is necessary, as during emergency situations. Other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, typically play a role in opposing actions, like constricting the pupils, while dopamine and histamine have different functions and do not directly cause dilation of the iris in this context. Therefore, the most accurate choice regarding the stimulation of iris dilation is norepinephrine.