Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Dilated pupils are indicative of a sympathetic nervous system response. This autonomic response occurs in reaction to various stimuli, particularly those associated with heightened alertness, excitement, or stress. The sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "fight or flight" system, prepares the body to respond to perceived threats by facilitating physiological changes. One of these changes includes the dilation of the pupils, which allows more light to enter the eye, enhancing vision and enabling better detection of potential dangers.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, which typically lead to pupil constriction. Central nervous system responses encompass a broader range of functions and activities related to brain processing and reflexes but do not specifically correlate with pupil dilation. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and sensory information but is also not directly responsible for pupil size changes, which are primarily governed by the autonomic nervous systems.