Parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion

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

The Parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion is a root of the ciliary ganglion, a parasympathetic ganglion located just behind the eye. It is one of two roots of the ciliary ganglion, the other being the sympathetic root.

Structure

The parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion originates from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the midbrain. It travels along the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), before branching off to join the ciliary ganglion.

Function

The parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion is involved in the control of the pupil and the lens of the eye. It carries parasympathetic fibers that cause the pupil to constrict (miosis) and the lens to become more convex, allowing for near vision (accommodation).

Clinical significance

Damage to the parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion can result in a number of eye-related problems, including mydriasis (dilated pupils), cycloplegia (loss of accommodation), and ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid).

See also

• Ciliary ganglion
• Oculomotor nerve
• Edinger-Westphal nucleus