Sympathetic root of ciliary ganglion

Sympathetic root of ciliary ganglion

The Sympathetic root of ciliary ganglion is a significant component of the human nervous system. It is a part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.

Sympathetic root of ciliary ganglion (labeled at center right)

Structure

The sympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion is a short, small nerve that arises from the carotid plexus, or from the superior cervical ganglion. It runs a course along with the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, and enters the back part of the ciliary ganglion, where it is distributed with the short ciliary nerves to the eye.

Function

The sympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion carries postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion. These fibers innervate the dilator pupillae muscle of the eye, causing dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) in response to low light conditions.

Clinical significance

Damage to the sympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion can result in Horner's syndrome, a condition characterized by miosis (constriction of the pupil), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), and anhidrosis (lack of sweating).

See also

• Ciliary ganglion
• Superior cervical ganglion
• Carotid plexus