The ciliary ganglion lies in the orbit and provides postganglionic parasympathetic fibers. Its postganglionic fibers travel to the eye via:

• A Long ciliary nerves to the dilator pupillae
• B Short ciliary nerves to constrict the pupil (sphincter pupillae) and accommodate (ciliary muscle) ✓
• C The nasociliary nerve to the cornea only
• D The frontal nerve to the upper eyelid

Explanation

The ciliary ganglion receives preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus via the oculomotor nerve (CN III). Its postganglionic fibers travel in the short ciliary nerves to innervate the sphincter pupillae (causing miosis in the light reflex and near reflex) and the ciliary muscle (causing accommodation). The long ciliary nerves (from nasociliary branch of CN V1) carry sensory fibers and sympathetic fibers to the dilator pupillae; they bypass the ciliary ganglion.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.