Arteria centralis retinae

Arteria Centralis Retinae or the Central Retinal Artery is the primary blood vessel that supplies the retina, a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye. This artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery, which in turn is a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Central Retinal Artery enters the optic nerve approximately 1 cm behind the eyeball, running within the nerve to reach the retina. It typically branches into superior and inferior divisions, which further divide to form a network of smaller arterioles that supply the inner layers of the retina.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the Central Retinal Artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the inner two-thirds of the retina, which includes the layers responsible for processing visual information. The outer third of the retina is supplied by the choroidal circulation, a network of blood vessels located behind the retina.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Blockage of the Central Retinal Artery, known as Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), can lead to sudden, painless vision loss. This is considered a medical emergency, as the retina can be permanently damaged without prompt treatment. Risk factors for CRAO include atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, and certain heart conditions.