Ögonartärerna

The ögonartärerna, or ophthalmic arteries, are crucial blood vessels supplying oxygenated blood to the eye and surrounding structures. They are branches of the internal carotid artery, originating shortly after it enters the skull through the optic canal. The ophthalmic artery enters the orbit along with the optic nerve.

Once inside the orbit, the ophthalmic artery gives rise to several important branches. The central retinal artery is perhaps the most vital, as it penetrates the optic nerve and travels to the retina, where it branches out to supply the inner layers of the retina. This artery is end-artery, meaning it has no significant collateral circulation, making blockages particularly dangerous for vision.

Other branches of the ophthalmic artery include the lacrimal artery, which supplies the lacrimal gland and parts of the eyelid and conjunctiva, and the posterior ciliary arteries, which supply the choroid, a vascular layer of the eye, and contribute to the blood supply of the optic nerve head. The ophthalmic artery also gives rise to supraorbital and ethmoidal arteries, which supply structures outside the eye itself, such as the forehead and nasal cavity. The precise anatomy and branching patterns can vary slightly between individuals.