Arteries and veins of orbit (Superior view) (English)

The central retinal artery arises from the ophthalmic artery and courses alongside the optic nerve within the dural sheath, to supply the inner layers of the retina of the eyeball. The long and short posterior ciliary arteries extend anteriorly and supply the choroid, ciliary body and iris of the eyeball. The supraorbital artery arises from the ophthalmic artery as it passes medially and crosses the optic nerve in the orbital cavity. It supplies some of the muscles of the eye as well as the skin and muscles of the forehead via superficial and deep branches. The anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries arise from the ophthalmic artery within the orbital cavity and pass medially to enter the ethmoidal canals. They supply the nasal cavity and septum. Venous drainage of the superior orbital region is mainly carried out by the superior ophthalmic vein and its associated tributaries. It accompanies the ophthalmic artery along its course, passing through the superior orbital fissure to reach the cavernous sinus.