Final answer:
The light response involves pupillary constriction in response to light hitting the retina, while the near response involves convergence of the eyes and lens adjustment for near vision. Both responses are regulated by the parasympathetic system but are triggered by different stimuli and have different effects on the pupil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences between the pupil pathways for the light response and near response are as follows:
- The light response involves the pupillary light reflex, which is triggered when light hits the retina. This reflex is regulated by the parasympathetic system, and it leads to pupillary constriction, reducing the amount of light entering the eye.
- The near response, on the other hand, is triggered when an object is brought close to the eye. It involves the convergence of the eyes and the contraction of the ciliary muscles to adjust the lens for near vision. This response is regulated by the parasympathetic system as well.
Both responses involve the parasympathetic system, but they are triggered by different stimuli and lead to different effects on the pupil.