The iris sphincter muscle (pupillary sphincter, pupillary constrictor, circular muscle of iris, circular fibers) is a muscle in the part of the eye called the iris. It encircles the pupil of the iris, appropriate to its function as a constrictor of the pupil. The ciliary muscle, pupillary sphincter muscle and pupillary dilator muscle sometimes are called intrinsic ocular muscles or intraocular muscles.

Comparative anatomy

This structure is found in vertebrates and in some cephalopods.

General structure

All the myocytes are of the smooth muscle type. Its dimensions are about 0.75 mm wide by 0.15 mm thick.

Mode of action

In humans, it functions to constrict the pupil in bright light (pupillary light reflex) or during accommodation. In lower animals, the muscle cells themselves are photosensitive causing iris action without brain input.

Innervation

It is controlled by parasympathetic postganglionic fibers releasing acetylcholine acting primarily on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3) of iris sphincter muscle. Preganglionic fibers originate from the Edinger–Westphal nucleus, travel along the oculomotor nerve (CN III), and make nicotinic cholinergic synapses on neurons in the ciliary ganglion. Those neurons' postganglionic parasympathetic fibers then enter the eye through the short ciliary nerves. The short ciliary nerves then run forward and pierce the sclera at the back of the eye, traveling between the sclera and the choroid to innervate the iris sphincter muscle.