The ciliary ganglion, located in the orbit, contains postganglionic fibres that constrict the pupil. These fibres travel in:

• A Long ciliary nerves to the dilator pupillae
• B Nasociliary nerve to the lacrimal gland
• C Short ciliary nerves to the sphincter pupillae and ciliary muscle ✓
• D Infraorbital nerve to the lower eyelid

Explanation

Parasympathetic preganglionic fibres from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus travel with CN III and synapse in the ciliary ganglion. Short ciliary nerves (branches of the nasociliary nerve from CN V1) carry these postganglionic parasympathetic fibres to the sphincter pupillae (miosis) and ciliary muscle (accommodation). The long ciliary nerves carry sympathetic fibres (from the superior cervical ganglion via the nasociliary nerve) to the dilator pupillae and sensory fibres from the cornea; they bypass the ciliary ganglion. The lacrimal gland receives parasympathetic supply via the pterygopalatine ganglion.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.