The Edinger-Westphal nucleus sends preganglionic parasympathetic fibers via CN III to the ciliary ganglion. These fibers synapse and give rise to short ciliary nerves innervating which two structures?

• A Dilator pupillae and ciliary muscle
• B Superior tarsal muscle and sphincter pupillae
• C Sphincter pupillae and ciliary muscle ✓
• D Ciliary muscle and lacrimal gland

Explanation

Postganglionic fibers from the ciliary ganglion travel via short ciliary nerves to innervate the sphincter pupillae (miosis) and the ciliary muscle (accommodation). The dilator pupillae receives sympathetic innervation from the superior cervical ganglion via long ciliary nerves, not from the ciliary ganglion. The superior tarsal muscle (Müller's muscle) is sympathetically innervated, explaining the partial ptosis in Horner's syndrome.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.