Short ciliary nerves

Short ciliary nerves are a group of nerves that branch off from the ciliary ganglion, an important structure in the parasympathetic nervous system. These nerves are responsible for carrying sensory and autonomic fibers to the eye and its surrounding structures.

Etymology

The term "short ciliary nerves" is derived from the Latin words "cilia", meaning "eyelash", and "nervus", meaning "nerve". This is likely due to the nerves' close proximity to the eye, similar to how eyelashes are close to the eye.

Anatomy

The short ciliary nerves are small, delicate filaments that branch off from the ciliary ganglion. They typically number between six and ten, and they pass forward around the optic nerve to the posterior part of the eyeball.

Function

The short ciliary nerves carry both sensory and autonomic fibers. The sensory fibers provide sensation to the cornea, iris, and ciliary body. The autonomic fibers, which are part of the parasympathetic nervous system, control the pupil's constriction and the ciliary muscle's contraction, which is responsible for changing the shape of the lens to allow for near and far vision.

Clinical significance

Damage to the short ciliary nerves can result in a number of eye-related problems, including anisocoria (unequal pupil size), mydriasis (dilated pupils), and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle). These conditions can significantly affect a person's vision and overall quality of life.

Related terms

• Ciliary ganglion
• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Optic nerve
• Cornea
• Iris
• Ciliary body
• Pupil
• Lens
• Anisocoria
• Mydriasis
• Cycloplegia

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