netthinnearterien

Netthinnearteriene, or retinal arteries, are the blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These arteries branch off from the ophthalmic artery, which is itself a branch of the internal carotid artery. Immediately upon entering the eye, the central retinal artery divides into two main branches, the superior and inferior temporal retinal arteries, and also the superior and inferior nasal retinal arteries. These then further subdivide to form a dense network of smaller vessels that perfuse the inner layers of the retina. The health of these arteries is crucial for maintaining normal vision, as any blockage or damage can lead to vision loss. Conditions like retinal artery occlusion, a blockage in one of these vessels, can result in sudden and severe vision impairment. Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can significantly affect the condition of the retinal arteries, leading to changes that can be observed during an eye examination. The retinal arterioles are the smallest branches of these arteries, and their caliber can change in response to physiological and pathological stimuli.