2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
2 Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology
Part I: Anatomy
Chapter 1: Orbit and Ocular Adnexa
Extraocular Muscles
Blood Supply to the Extraocular Muscles
The extraocular muscles are supplied by the following (see Table 1-1):
The muscular branches of the ophthalmic artery give rise to the anterior ciliary arteries and can be divided into lateral (superior) and medial (inferior) branches. Each rectus muscle has 1–4 anterior ciliary arteries, which eventually pass through the muscle belly; penetrate the sclera, anastomosing with the major arterial circle; and contribute to the blood supply of the anterior segment (see Fig 1-22). The lateral rectus muscle receives part of its blood supply from the lacrimal artery; the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles receive part of their blood supply from the infraorbital artery (see Figs 1-17, 1-21).
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 2 - Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.