Horner’s syndrome is caused by: March 2009
**Core Concept**
Horner's syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by a disruption in the sympathetic nerves supplying the eye, resulting in a triad of symptoms: ptosis (drooping eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and anhidrosis (absence of sweating).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the disruption of the sympathetic nerves that control pupil dilation and eyelid elevation. The sympathetic nerves to the eye originate from the hypothalamus and travel through the superior cervical ganglion, then synapse in the ciliary ganglion. The postganglionic fibers then innervate the dilator pupillae muscle and the superior tarsal muscle, which is responsible for eyelid elevation. When these nerves are damaged, the result is miosis and ptosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because Horner's syndrome is not caused by a disruption in the parasympathetic nerves, which control pupil constriction and eyelid closure.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because Horner's syndrome is not caused by a disruption in the cranial nerves that control eye movement, such as the oculomotor nerve (CN III).
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because Horner's syndrome is not caused by a disruption in the sensory nerves that provide sensation to the face, such as the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The classic clinical presentation of Horner's syndrome is "ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis" - a triad of symptoms that can help you diagnose this condition.
**Correct Answer: C. A disruption of sympathetic nerves supplying the eye.**