A patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus shows diminished corneal sensation. Which nerve carries the afferent limb of the corneal reflex from the cornea?

• A Short ciliary branches of the ciliary ganglion
• B Zygomaticofacial branch of the maxillary nerve
• C Long ciliary branches of the nasociliary nerve ✓
• D Posterior ethmoidal branch of the ophthalmic nerve

Explanation

Corneal sensory fibres travel in the long ciliary nerves, which are branches of the nasociliary nerve, itself a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve; these afferents reach the main sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve before the reflex arc continues via the facial nerve. Short ciliary nerves carry parasympathetic and sympathetic fibres to intraocular structures, not general sensation, which eliminates that tempting distractor.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.