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

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

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

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.

See Also

• Retina
• Ophthalmic artery
• Internal carotid artery
• Central Retinal Artery Occlusion