Neurovasculature of the orbit

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The orbits are bony cavities of the viscerocranium which house the extraocular muscles, lacrimal apparatus eyeball and adipose tissue.

The ophthalmic artery provides the main arterial supply to the orbit with minor contributions from the external carotid artery. Originating as a branch from the internal carotid artery, the ophthalmic artery travels through the optic canal to enter the orbit. Within the orbit, it gives off numerous branches which supply surrounding structures. 

Similar to its arterial supply, the principal drainage system of the orbit is by the ophthalmic veins. The superior and inferior ophthalmic veins receive blood from the roof and floor of the orbit and drain into the cavernous sinus of the cranial cavity or pterygoid plexus of veins of the infratemporal fossa. 

Facilitating vision, movements of the eye, tear production and general sensation are the nerves of the orbit which include the optic nerve (CN II), oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), abducens nerve (CN VI) and autonomic nerves. The ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary branches (V2) of the trigeminal nerve (CN V) also supply branches which innervate structures of the orbit.

Find out more about the many neurovasculature structures of the orbit by watching the videos below!

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Take a closer look at the neurovasculature of the orbit in the galleries below.

Arteries and veins of the orbit

Nerves of the orbit 

Summary