Which fibers pass through the ciliary ganglion WITHOUT synapsing in it?

• A Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus
• B Postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion
• C Sensory fibers from the eyeball traveling in the nasociliary nerve ✓
• D Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers destined for the sphincter pupillae

Explanation

The ciliary ganglion has three roots. Only preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the oculomotor nerve synapse there. Sympathetic fibers from the internal carotid plexus and sensory fibers from the nasociliary nerve pass straight through and reach the eye via the short ciliary nerves. Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers leave the ganglion already relayed, so they do not pass through unrelayed.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.