Parasympathetic root of ciliary ganglions

Parasympathetic root of ciliary ganglion
Plan of oculomotor nerve. (Parasympathetic root labeled at center right.)
The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Parasympathetic root labeled at center right.)
Details
From	oculomotor nerve
To	ciliary ganglion
Innervates	Eye
Identifiers
Latin	radix parasympathica ganglii ciliaris
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The Parasympathetic root of ciliary ganglion is a component of the oculomotor nerve (III), which originates from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the midbrain. It is responsible for the parasympathetic innervation of the eye.

Structure

The parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion is a short, delicate filament, which arises from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the midbrain. It joins with the oculomotor nerve and runs along its inferior branch. It then synapses in the ciliary ganglion, a small parasympathetic ganglion located just behind the eye.

Function

The parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers. These fibers synapse in the ciliary ganglion, and the postganglionic fibers then innervate the sphincter pupillae muscle and the ciliary muscle. This innervation allows for the constriction of the pupil (miosis) and the accommodation of the lens, which are necessary for near vision.

Clinical significance

Damage to the parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion can result in ophthalmoplegia, or paralysis of the eye muscles, and mydriasis, or dilation of the pupil. This can lead to blurred vision and difficulty focusing on near objects.

See also

• Ciliary ganglion
• Oculomotor nerve
• Edinger-Westphal nucleus