Ciliary artery

Ciliary artery

The arteries of the choroid and iris. The greater part of the sclera has been removed.

The Ciliary artery refers to a group of arteries supplying the eye, specifically the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. They are branches of the ophthalmic artery, which is a major branch of the internal carotid artery. The ciliary arteries are typically divided into three groups: the long posterior ciliary arteries, the short posterior ciliary arteries, and the anterior ciliary arteries.

Long posterior ciliary arteries

The long posterior ciliary arteries, usually two in number, are derived from the ophthalmic artery as it crosses the optic nerve. They run forward, in slight winding curves, one on the medial and the other on the lateral part of the eyeball, between the sclera and the choroid, to the posterior part of the ciliary muscle, where they divide into two branches.

Short posterior ciliary arteries

The short posterior ciliary arteries, numbering from six to twelve, are also branches of the ophthalmic artery. They pierce the sclera around the entrance of the optic nerve and run forward, in the substance of the choroid, to the ciliary muscle and iris.

Anterior ciliary arteries

The anterior ciliary arteries are derived from the muscular branches of the ophthalmic artery. They run to the front of the eyeball in company with the recti muscles, and, piercing the sclera a short distance from the cornea, end in the ciliary muscle and iris.

Clinical significance

The ciliary arteries play a crucial role in the blood supply of the eye. Any disruption to their flow, such as in ocular ischemic syndrome, can lead to serious visual impairment.

See also

• Ophthalmic artery
• Central retinal artery
• Lacrimal artery