Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Cilioretinal Arteries

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Ocular Vascular Occlusive Disorders

Abstract

The cilioretinal arteries belong to the posterior ciliary artery system. They usually arise from the peripapillary choroid or directly from one of the short posterior ciliary arteries. The existence of the cilioretinal arteries is a congenital anomaly rather than one acquired due to some disease, inflammatory, or other morbid process. It was first described by Müller [1] in 1856 (Fig. 3.1) and first demonstrated histologically in 1876 by Nettleship [2], who stated that in sectioning of a human eye, he found “a small artery from the choroid turning round the edge of the disc, and running uninterruptedly for some distance in the retina, where it breaks up into capillaries.” Since then, there have been many reports of the presence of a cilioretinal artery (Table 3.1) [3–26]. Nettleship [27] in 1876 reported 7 cases of cilioretinal arteries. In 1879, he [3] published many important observations, still relevant, about the cilioretinal arteries. He stated the following:

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Müller H. Anatomisch-physiologishe Untersuchungen über die Retina des Menschen und der Wirbelthiere. Zeitschrift für wissenschaftliche Zoologie. 1856;8:1–122.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Nettleship E. Unusual distribution of retinal blood-vessels: three cases. Br Med J. 1876;1(788):161–2.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Nettleship E. Cilio-retinal blood vessels (additional cases and remarks). R Lond Ophthalmic Hosp Rep. 1879;9:161–7.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Loring EG. Anomalous circulation in the eye. Arch Ophthalmol Otolaryngol. 1872;2(2):1–10, plate B.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Randall BA. Cilio-retinal or aberrant vessels. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1887;4:511–7.

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Lang W, Barrett JW. On the frequency of ciliary-retinal vessels and of pulsating veins. R Lond Ophthalmic Hosp Rep. 1888;12:59–60.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Elschnig A. Cilioretinale Gefässe. Albrecht Von Graefes Arch Ophthalmol. 1897;44:144–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Elschnig A. Ueber opticociliare Gefässe. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1898;36:93–6.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Jackson E. Cilio-retinal and other anomalous retinal vessels. Ophthalmic Rev. 1911;30:264–9.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Salzmann M. The anatomy and histology of the human eyeball in the normal state; its development and senescence. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 1912. p. 183–4.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bailliart P. La circulation retinienne a l’Ètat normal et pathologique. Paris: G. Doin; 1923. p. 10–2.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Adachi B, Hasebe K, Daigaku I. Das Arteriensystem der Japaner, vol. 1. Kyoto and Tokyo: Kaiserlich-Japanische Universität zu Kyoto, in kommission bei Maruzen Co.; 1928.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Bullwinkel HG. Cilioretinal vessels. N Y State J Med. 1954;54:1462–3.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Bonamour G, Gaillot M. Les Artères cilio-rétiniennes: Leurs aspects, leur signification, leur pathologie (Conférences lyonnaises d’ophtalmologie, No. spécial, Septembre 1956.). Annonay: H. Faure, 8, pl. de la Liberté; (Trévoux impr. de J. Patissier); 1956.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Collier M. Frequence des vaisseaux cilioretiniens, leur rapport avec les ametropies, leur association avec d’autres anomalies du fond de l’oeil. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr. 1957;64(9):598–601.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Mann IC. Development of the human eye. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, for the British Journal of Ophthalmology; 1928. p. 230–4.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Blunt MJ. Implications of the vascular anatomy of the optic nerve and chiasma. Proc R Soc Med. 1956;49:433–9.

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Steele EJ, Blunt MJ. The blood supply of the optic nerve and chiasma in man. J Anat. 1956;90(4):486–93.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Mehra KS. Incidence of cilio-retinal artery in Indians. Br J Ophthalmol. 1965;49:52–3.

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Justice Jr J, Lehmann RP. Cilioretinal arteries. A study based on review of stereo fundus photographs and fluorescein angiographic findings. Arch Ophthalmol. 1976;94(8):1355–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Shihab ZM, Beebe WE, Wentlandt T. Possible significance of cilioretinal arteries in open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 1985;92(7):880–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Mikelberg FS, Drance SM, Schulzer M, Wijsman K. Possible significance of cilioretinal arteries in low-tension glaucoma. Can J Ophthalmol. 1990;25(6):298–300.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang RS. Cilioretinal arteries under fundus fluorescein angiography (in Chinese). Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi. 1991;27(4):219–20.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Lee SS, Schwartz B. Role of the temporal cilioretinal artery in retaining central visual field in open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 1992;99(5):696–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Theodossiadis GP, Kollia AK, Theodossiadis PG. Cilioretinal arteries in conjunction with a pit of the optic disc. Ophthalmologica. 1992;204(3):115–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Nipken LH, Schmidt D. Haufigkeit, Lokalisation, Lange und Verlauf der zilioretinalen Arterie. Besteht ein Einfluss auf den Verlauf der temporalen retinalen Arterien? Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 1996;208(4):229–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Nettleship E. Pathological and clinical notes: Some cases of variations of the retinal blood-vessels – Retino-choroidal anastomoses. R Lond Ophthalmic Hosp Rep. 1876;8:512–5.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Duke-Elder S. Textbook of ophthalmology, vol. 2. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby; 1932. p. 1389.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Glees M. Über zilioretinale und optikoziliare Gefässe als allegemein diagnostischer Hinweis [Cilio-retinal and optico-retinal vessels as diagnostic pointers]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1956;128:580–92.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Birnbacher A. The cilio-retinal blood-vessels. Arch Ophthalmol. 1887;16:32–4.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Duke-Elder S, Wybar KC. System of ophthalmology, vol. 2: the anatomy of the visual system. London: Kimpton; 1961. p. 345–69.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Hayreh SS. The cilio-retinal arteries. Br J Ophthalmol. 1963;47:71–89.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Bloch H. Ueber abnormen Verlauf der Papillengefässe. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1906;44(2):413–8.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Parsons JH. The ocular circulation (Arris and Gale Lecture Series). London: John Bale, Sons & Danielsson, Ltd; 1903. p. 31.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Müller H. Anatomische Beiträge zur Ophthalmologie. Albrecht von Graefes Arch Klin Ophthalmol. 1858;4(2):1–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Fuchs E. Ueber Anomalien der Blutfässe im Sehnerveneintritt. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 1923;71:583–9.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Beauvieux J, Ristitch K. Les vaisseaux centraux du nerf optique. Etude anatomique. Arch Ophtalmol (Paris). 1924;41:352–69.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Wybar KC. Anastomoses between the retinal and ciliary arterial circulations. Br J Ophthalmol. 1956;40(2):65–81.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Hayreh SS. The orbital vessels of rhesus monkeys. Exp Eye Res. 1964;3:16–30.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Czermak W. Aus der Augenklinik des Prof. Fuchs. Beitrag zur Kenntniss der sog. Cilioretinalen Gefässe. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 1888;1:251–4.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Benson AH. Drawing showing an unusual course taken by a branch of the central artery of the disc. Trans Ophthalmol Soc U K. 1883;3:101–2 plate IV, fig 101.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Hayreh SS. A study of the central artery of the retina in human beings [Thesis for the Master of Surgery]: Panjab University (India); 1958.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Coats G. Visible anastomoses on the papilla after obstruction of the central artery. R Lond Ophthalmic Hosp Rep. 1913;19(pt. 1):78–81.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Fuchs E, Duane A. Text-book of ophthalmology, authorized translation from the 12th German ed. 6th ed. Philadelphia/London: J.B. Lippincott Co.; 1919. p. 44.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Hayreh SS. Central retinal artery occlusion. Chapter 13. Ocular Vascular Occlusive Disorders. Cham: Springer; 2015. This is one of the chapters in this book; 30:359–94.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Hayreh SS. Chapter 171. Physiological anatomy of the retinal vasculature. In: Encyclopedia of the eye. Oxford: Academic Press; 2010. p. 431–8.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Hayreh SS. Acute retinal arterial occlusive disorders. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2011;30(5):359–94.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Hegde V, Deokule S, Matthews T. A case of a cilioretinal artery supplying the entire retina. Clin Anat. 2006;19(7):645–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Parsa CF, Cheeseman EW, Maumenee IH. Demonstration of exclusive cilioretinal vascular system supplying the retina in man: vacant discs. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1998;96:95–106.

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Nettleship E. Notes on the blood-vessels of the optic disc in some of the lower animals. Trans Ophthalmol Soc U K. 1905;25:338–59.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Singh (Hayreh) S, Dass R. The central artery of the retina. I. Origin and course. Br J Ophthalmol. 1960;44:193–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Johnson GL. Contributions to the comparative anatomy of the mammalian eye, chiefly based on ophthalmoscopic examination. Phil Trans Royal Soc Lond B. 1901;194:1–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Franck JL. Handbuch der Anatomie der Hausthiere, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Pferdes. 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Schickhardt & Ebner; 1883.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Bach L. Ueber die Gefässe des Pferdeauges mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Gefässversorgung der Aderhaut. Archiv fűr wissenschaftliche und praktische Tierheilkunde. 1894;20:241–56.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Langenbacher L. Vergleichend anatomische Untersuchungen über die Blutfässe in der Netzhaut des Auges. Österreichische vierteljahresschrift für wissenschaftliche. 1880;53(2):121–50.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Mindelberger A. Dissertation: Tübingen; 1905.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Stockmayer W. Über die centralgefässe im sehnerven einiger enheimischen carnivoren. Dissertation: Publisher Tübingen: F. Pietzcker; 1905.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Lawford JB. Unusual arrangement of retinal vessels. Trans Ophthalmol Soc U K. 1895;15:195, plate VIII, fig. 2.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Kraupa E. Beiträge zur Morphologie des Augenhintergrundes IV. Optikoziliare Arterien, Optikusrandvenen und optikochorioideale Venen. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1924;72:724–40.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Schnabel P, Sacks T. Ueber unvollständige Embolie der Netzhaut-Schlagader und ihre Zweige. Archiv für Augenheilkunde. 1885;15:11–49.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Salzmann M. Über Rückbildung (Schwund) von cilio-retinalen arterien [Atrophy of the cilio-retinal arteries]. Albrecht Von Graefes Arch Ophthalmol. 1953;153:451–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Sohan Singh Hayreh

Authors
  1. Sohan Singh Hayreh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hayreh, S.S. (2015). The Cilioretinal Arteries. In: Ocular Vascular Occlusive Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12781-1_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12781-1_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-12780-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-12781-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation