Ophthalmic artery

Ophthalmic artery is an artery that originates from the internal carotid artery. It supplies branches to the muscles of the eye, parts of the nose, the forehead, and the meninges of the anterior cranial fossa.

Anatomy

The ophthalmic artery arises from the internal carotid artery just as it is emerging from the cavernous sinus. It travels forward in the optic canal with the optic nerve, then it emerges from the canal into the orbit where it gives off its many branches.

Branches

The branches of the ophthalmic artery can be divided into two groups: orbital group and ocular group.

Orbital group

The orbital group consists of the following branches:

• Lacrimal artery
• Supraorbital artery
• Posterior ethmoidal artery
• Anterior ethmoidal artery
• Internal palpebral arteries
• Frontal artery
• Nasociliary artery

Ocular group

The ocular group consists of the following branches:

• Central retinal artery
• Ciliary arteries
• Muscular branches
• Anterior ciliary arteries
• Posterior ciliary arteries
• Short posterior ciliary arteries
• Long posterior ciliary arteries

Clinical significance

The ophthalmic artery and its branches can be affected by various diseases, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and optic neuritis. It can also be involved in certain procedures, such as ophthalmic artery occlusion and ophthalmic artery aneurysm.

See also

• Eye
• Artery
• Carotid artery
• Optic nerve

References

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