Anterior ciliary arteries
Encyclopedia
The 7 anterior ciliary arteries are derived from the muscular branches of the Ophthalmic Artery
.
, form a vascular zone beneath the conjunctiva
, and then pierce the sclera a short distance from the cornea and end in the circulus arteriosus major
. Two Ciliary Arteries supply each rectus muscle, except the lateral rectus, which only receives one branch. Thus, we can see there are 7 branches of anterior ciliary arteries that supply each set of extraocular muscles.
Ophthalmic artery
The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of the internal carotid artery distal to the cavernous sinus. Branches of the OA supply all the structures in the orbit as well as some structures in the nose, face and meninges...
.
Course
They run to the front of the eyeball in company with the extraocular musclesExtraocular muscles
The extraocular muscles are the six muscles that control the movements of the eye . The actions of the extraocular muscles depend on the position of the eye at the time of muscle contraction.-List of muscles:-Importance:...
, form a vascular zone beneath the conjunctiva
Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids. It is composed of rare stratified columnar epithelium.-Function:...
, and then pierce the sclera a short distance from the cornea and end in the circulus arteriosus major
Circulus arteriosus major
circulus arteriosus major : also named "major circulus arteriosus of iris" CIA or CIAMit is formed by anastomosis of the anterior ciliary arteries with the posterior long ciliary arteries at the ciliary body. It supplies the iris, ciliary body and choroid.The veinous drainage of CIA is : 4 vortex...
. Two Ciliary Arteries supply each rectus muscle, except the lateral rectus, which only receives one branch. Thus, we can see there are 7 branches of anterior ciliary arteries that supply each set of extraocular muscles.