Short posterior ciliary arteries

The short posterior ciliary arteries are a number of branches of the ophthalmic artery. They pass forward with the optic nerve to reach the eyeball, piercing the sclera around the entry of the optic nerve into the eyeball.

Short posterior ciliary arteries
The arteries of the choroid and iris. The greater part of the sclera has been removed.
The ophthalmic artery and its branches
Details
Source	Ophthalmic artery
Vein	Vorticose veins
Supplies	Choroid (up to the equator of the eye) ciliary processes
Identifiers
Latin	arteriae ciliares posteriores breves
TA98	A12.2.06.031
TA2	4479
FMA	70777
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Anatomy

The number of short posterior ciliary arteries varies between individuals;^[1] one or more short posterior ciliary arteries initially branch off the ophthalmic artery,^[2] subsequently dividing to form up to 20 short posterior ciliary arteries.^[2][3]

Origin

The short posterior ciliary arteries branch off the ophthalmic artery as it crosses the optic nerve medially.^[1]

Course and relations

About 7 short posterior ciliary arteries accompany the optic nerve,^[3] passing anterior-ward to reach the posterior part of^[4] the eyeball, where they divide into 15-20 branches and pierce the sclera^[3] around the entrance of the optic nerve.^[4][2]

Distribution

The short posterior ciliary arteries contribute arterial supply to the choroid, ciliary processes,^[3] optic disc, the outer retina, and Bruch's membrane.^[1]

Some branches of the short posterior ciliary arteries supply the optic disc by means of an anastomotic ring - the circle of Zinn-Haller or circle of Zinn - which is associated with the fibrous extension of the ocular tendons (common tendinous ring (also annulus of Zinn)).^{[citation needed]}

Additional images

• 
  The terminal portion of the optic nerve and its entrance into the eyeball, in horizontal section

See also

• Long posterior ciliary arteries
• Anterior ciliary arteries