Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Sherrington's Law relates to which of the following?

1. The agonist and its ipsilateral antagonist

2. The contralateral agonist and antagonist

3. Biocular vision

4. Accommodation reflexes

The correct answer is: The agonist and its ipsilateral antagonist

Sherrington's Law pertains to the coordination of muscle activity, specifically the relationship between an agonist muscle and its antagonist muscle on the same side of the body (ipsilateral). According to this principle, when an agonist muscle contracts, the antagonist muscle relaxes to facilitate smooth movement. This reciprocal innervation ensures that movements can be performed without resistance from opposing muscles, allowing for effective and efficient motor function. In the context of ocular movements, Sherrington's Law helps explain how the eye muscles work together to coordinate shifts in gaze while maintaining balance and stability in visual perception. Understanding this principle is crucial for ophthalmic medical technologists, as it informs assessments of muscle function and coordination in conditions that affect eye movement. The other choices, while relevant to ophthalmology and eye function, do not specifically define the reciprocal relationship outlined in Sherrington's Law. Therefore, the focus on the ipsilateral relationship between agonist and antagonist makes this choice the most accurate representation of Sherrington's Law.