Dissection of right orbit from a superior approach

Ophthalmic artery; ciliary nerves and arteries; sheath of optic nerve; insertion of superior oblique muscle

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Image #54-5

Dissection of right orbit from a superior approach

Ophthalmic artery; ciliary nerves and arteries; sheath of optic nerve; insertion of superior oblique muscle

The superior rectus muscle has been cut and reflected to expose underlying structures. The fascia of the bulb (Tenon's capsule) has been partially cut away. Short ends of two vorticose veins (16) protrude from the sclera. In this specimen the ophthalmic artery passes beneath the optic nerve rather than above it. This is a rather common variation.

1. Superior oblique muscle
2. Bulbar fascia
3. Sclera
4. Anterior ethmoidal artery
5. Upper pointer: Infratrochlear nerve Lower pointer: Anterior ethmoidal nerve
6. Superior oblique muscle
7. Medial rectus muscle
8. Ophthalmic artery
9. Sheath of optic nerve
10. Branch of oculomotor nerve entering superior rectus muscle
11. Superior rectus muscle (cut and reflected)
12. Optic nerve (II)
13. Aponeurosis of levator palpebrae superioris muscle
14. Superior rectus muscle (pointer near junction of muscle with tendon of insertion)
15. Insertion of superior oblique muscle
16. Vorticose veins (cut off)
17. Lateral check ligament
18. Short ciliary nerves
19. Lateral rectus muscle
20. Lacrimal artery
21. Posterior ciliary artery
22. Abducens nerve (VI)