Ciliary arteries

Ciliary arteries are a group of arteries that supply the eye and its surrounding structures. They are branches of the ophthalmic artery, which is a major branch of the internal carotid artery. The ciliary arteries are divided into three groups: the short posterior ciliary arteries, the long posterior ciliary arteries, and the anterior ciliary arteries.

Etymology

The term "ciliary" comes from the Latin word "cilia," which means "eyelash." This is likely due to the resemblance of these arteries to eyelashes in their arrangement around the eye.

Short posterior ciliary arteries

The short posterior ciliary arteries are a group of about 20 small arteries that arise from the ophthalmic artery. They pass forward around the optic nerve to the posterior part of the eyeball. They supply the choroid and ciliary body, and some branches reach the iris.

Long posterior ciliary arteries

The long posterior ciliary arteries consist of two arteries that arise from the ophthalmic artery. They run forward between the sclera and the choroid to the ciliary body, where they divide into two branches. These branches form an arterial circle, the circulus arteriosus major, with the anterior ciliary arteries. The long posterior ciliary arteries supply the ciliary body, the iris, and the outer layers of the retina.

Anterior ciliary arteries

The anterior ciliary arteries are derived from the muscular branches of the ophthalmic artery. They run forward in the substance of the recti muscles to the front of the eyeball. There, they pierce the sclera a short distance from the cornea and end in the circulus arteriosus major. The anterior ciliary arteries supply the anterior part of the uvea, including the ciliary body and the iris.

Related terms

• Ophthalmic artery
• Internal carotid artery
• Choroid
• Ciliary body
• Iris (eye)

See also

• Eye anatomy
• Blood supply of the eye

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