Roots of the ciliary ganglion

Roots of the Ciliary Ganglion

The Roots of the Ciliary Ganglion are a pair of nerve roots that originate from the Ciliary Ganglion, a parasympathetic ganglion located in the posterior orbit. These roots play a crucial role in the innervation of the eye, contributing to various functions such as pupil constriction and accommodation.

Anatomy

The Ciliary Ganglion receives two types of roots: the sensory root and the parasympathetic root.

Sensory Root

The sensory root of the Ciliary Ganglion, also known as the nasociliary nerve, is a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It carries sensory information from the eye to the brain.

Parasympathetic Root

The parasympathetic root of the Ciliary Ganglion originates from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus of the oculomotor nerve. It carries parasympathetic fibers that control the constriction of the pupil and the shape of the lens.

Function

The roots of the Ciliary Ganglion play a vital role in the visual system. They carry sensory and parasympathetic information to and from the eye, contributing to vision and eye movement. The sensory root carries sensory information from the eye to the brain, while the parasympathetic root carries signals that control the constriction of the pupil and the shape of the lens.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the roots of the Ciliary Ganglion can result in a variety of eye-related disorders, including anisocoria (unequal pupil size), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), and ophthalmoplegia (paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles).

See Also

• Ciliary Ganglion
• Ophthalmic Nerve
• Trigeminal Nerve
• Oculomotor Nerve
• Edinger-Westphal Nucleus