Definition

1. Noun:
   • An artery supplying the choroid coat of the eye: The ciliary artery is one of several small arteries that branch from the ophthalmic artery to supply blood to the choroid, a vascular layer of the eye located between the retina and the sclera.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The posterior ciliary arteries are crucial for supplying blood to the optic nerve head.
  • Blockage in a ciliary artery can lead to ischemic damage to the choroid.
  • The surgeon carefully avoided the ciliary arteries during the procedure.

Advanced Usage

• "Anterior ciliary arteries": These are branches that supply the rectus muscles of the eye and then pierce the sclera to supply the anterior segment.

  • The anterior ciliary arteries contribute to the major arterial circle of the iris.

• "Posterior ciliary arteries": These are branches that supply the choroid, optic nerve, and outer retina.

  • The posterior ciliary arteries are divided into short and long branches.

Variants and Related Words

• Ciliary body (noun): The part of the eye that connects the choroid to the iris, containing the ciliary muscle and processes.

  • The ciliary body is involved in accommodation and aqueous humor production.

• Choroidal artery (noun): Another term often used synonymously with ciliary artery, specifically referring to its supply to the choroid.

Synonyms

• Choroidal artery: An artery supplying the choroid coat.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "ciliary artery" specifically refers to its anatomical function of supplying the choroid and related structures. It is a precise anatomical term with no idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.

Noun

1. one of several arteries supplying the choroid coat of the eye