Ciliary ganglion

The ciliary ganglion ( ciliary ) is a ganglion, which is situated behind the eyeball to the optic nerve. The parasympathetic fibers for the internal eye muscles are switched in him. In addition, through this ganglion also run sensitive and sympathetic nerve fibers, but without switching.

Para Sympathetic share

The parasympathetic fibers (Radix parasympathica ) of the ciliary ganglion are from the III. Cranial nerves, the oculomotor nerve (hence referred to as Radix oculomotoria ). They are switched here to the second, post-ganglionic neuron. These fibers pass through the short ciliary Nervi to

• Sphincter pupillae ( Pupillenverenger )
• Musculus ciliaris ( Akkommodationsmuskel ).

In addition, the nerve infratrochlearis parasympathetic fibers are fed, which supply the accessory lacrimal glands.

Sympathetic share

The sympathetic fibers originate from the cervical thoracic junction of the spinal cord ( Centrum ciliospinale ) and pull on the cervical ganglia ( stellate ganglion, cervical ganglion and the superior cervical ganglion ) to the head. In the superior cervical ganglion ( cranial cervical ganglion in animals ), the switchover to the second, post-ganglionic neuron. From here the fibers pull on the nerve or internal carotid plexus, the corresponding proportion is also known as Ramus sympathetic ganglion ad ciliary, ciliary ganglion. From there, the fibers, also via the short ciliary Nervi, the dilator muscle of the pupil ( Pupillenerweiterer ).

Sensory fibers

In the short ciliary Nervi also extend sensory fibers of the vagus nasociliary, a branch of the fifth cranial nerve ( trigeminal nerve ) through the ciliary ganglion. But there is no functional relationship to this ganglion.