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Central Retinal Artery: A Human Fetal Cadaveric Study with Histological Correlation.
Ananya Malhotra1, Lydia Shobha Andrade2, Vrinda C1
1Undergraduate students (MBBS), Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
The Kurume Medical Journal
|June 1, 2022
Summary
The central retinal artery enters the optic nerve peripherally but is centrally located near the eyeball. This anatomical finding aids ophthalmologists in diagnosing congenital eye anomalies in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Embryology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The optic nerve (second cranial nerve) is supplied by the central retinal artery.
- The central retinal artery becomes incorporated within the optic nerve during fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the precise location (peripheral or central) of the central retinal artery within the optic nerve.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of human fetal eyes (second and third trimesters).
- Morphometric analysis and histological examination of optic nerve sections.
- Evaluation of central retinal artery position at its entry point and within the optic nerve.
Main Results:
- The central retinal artery was found to be peripherally and inferiorly located upon entering the optic nerve in some specimens.
- In other specimens, the artery was peripherally and laterally positioned at entry.
- Consistently, the central retinal artery was centrally located near the posterior pole of the eyeball within the optic nerve.
Conclusions:
- The central retinal artery's position shifts from peripheral at entry to central within the optic nerve.
- Understanding this anatomical relationship is crucial for ophthalmologists.
- This knowledge assists in the identification of congenital ocular abnormalities in neonates.
