IV.C.3 Head: VNS of the Orbit Page 2 of 5

Arterial Supply - continued

Unfortunately the arteries that branch from the opthalmic artery to serve the orbit and the eyeball are too small to be seen on the cadaver. The below drawing helps to envision this plexus of arteries.

Is the central retinal artery a branch of the ophthalmic artery?

Yes

That is correct.

No

No; think again.

	Why is this artery so important?
It is the artery seen on ophthalmoscopic exam and provides a window into the state of the arterial and venous systems. It also provides a glimpse at intracranial hypertension by the shape of the optic nerve at the optic disc (papilledema).

+	Step 5:  Add the optic nerves and eyeballs..
+	Step 6:  Explore the relationship of the middle and anterior fossae of the skull to the ateries and optic nerves.
	Step 7:  Use the Rotate and Dissect tools to help you with explore this relationship.