Superior ophthalmic vein

Superior ophthalmic vein
Superior ophthalmic vein
	Veins of orbit. (Superior ophthalmic labeled at top.)
	The sinuses at the base of the skull. (Superior ophthalmic vein labeled at upper right.)
Details
Source	Union of angular vein and supraorbital vein
Drains to	Cavernous sinus
Artery	Ophthalmic artery
Identifiers
Latin	vena ophthalmica superior
TA98	A12.3.06.102
TA2	4887
FMA	51246
	Anatomical terminology [ edit on Wikidata]

Last updated May 09, 2024

The superior ophthalmic vein is a vein of the orbit that drains venous blood from structures of the upper orbit. It is formed by the union of the angular vein, and supraorbital vein. It passes backwards within the orbit alongside the ophthalmic artery, then exits the orbit through the superior orbital fissure to drain into the cavernous sinus.

Structure

The superior ophthalmic vein - together with the inferior ophthalmic vein - represents the principal drainage system of the orbit (with the superior ophthalmic vein being the larger of the two).^[1] The superior ophthalmic vein drains venous blood from structures of the upper orbit.^[2] The superior ophthalmic vein forms/represents a connection between facial veins, and intracranial veins. It is valveless.^[3]

The superior ophthalmic vein is the largest and the most consistently present vein of the orbit. It usually measures 2-10 mm in diameter.^[1]

Origin

The superior ophthalmic vein is formed (depending upon the source) either by the union of the angular vein, and supraorbital vein,^[1]^[2] or by the union of two tributaries which connect anteriorly with the supraobrital vein, and the facial vein.^[3]

Its origin is situated within the orbit,^[2] near the superomedial orbital rim,^[1] posteromedial to the upper eyelid.^[3]

Course and relations

The superior ophthalmic vein is the only orbital vein whose course generally parallels the course of an orbital artery: it has a similar course as the ophthalmic artery ^[1] (however, the latter instead exits the orbit through the optic canal).^[2]

Within the orbit, the superior ophthalmic vein passes posterior-ward alongside the ophthalmic artery.^[1]^[2] It passes inferior to the superior rectus muscle,^[2] running in between this muscle and the optic nerve.^[3] It runs across the optic nerve (CN II) to reach the superior portion of the superior orbital fissure through which it then exits the orbit to drain into the cavernous sinus.^[2] It usually passes superior to the common tendinous ring on its way out of the orbit.^[3]

Tributaries

Tributaries of the superior ophthalmic vein (may) include: the anterior ethmoidal vein and posterior ethmoidal vein, lacrimal vein, central retinal vein (sometimes^[3]), superior vorticose veins,^[1]^[2] medial palpebral veins, inferior ophthalmic vein (sometimes^[3]), and veins from the superior rectus muscle, superior oblique muscle,^[1] and medial rectus muscle.^[2]

The tributaries/territory drained by the superior ophthalmic vein is however somewhat variable.^[1]

Structures drained by the superior ophthalmic vein includes the frontal sinus.^[4]

Fate

The superior ophthalmic vein drains into the cavernous sinus.^[2]^[5]

Clinical significance

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

The medial angle of the eye, nose and lips (known as the danger triangle of the face) usually drain through the facial vein, via the superior ophthalmic vein through the cavernous sinus. An infection of the face may spread to the cavernous sinus through the superior ophthalmic vein.^[6] This can cause cavernous sinus thrombosis.^[6] This can lead to damage of the nerves running through the cavernous sinus.

Arteriovenous fistula

When arteriovenous fistula affects the cavernous sinus, blood flow may occur backwards in the superior ophthalmic vein.^[7] This can cause exophthalmos.^[7] This may be treated by embolising the superior ophthalmic vein.^[8]

Related Research Articles

The danger triangle of the face consists of the area from the corners of the mouth to the bridge of the nose, including the nose and maxilla. Due to the special nature of the blood supply to the human nose and surrounding area, it is possible for retrograde infection from the nasal area to spread to the brain, causing cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, or brain abscess.

The oculomotor nerve, also known as the third cranial nerve, cranial nerve III, or simply CN III, is a cranial nerve that enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure and innervates extraocular muscles that enable most movements of the eye and that raise the eyelid. The nerve also contains fibers that innervate the intrinsic eye muscles that enable pupillary constriction and accommodation. The oculomotor nerve is derived from the basal plate of the embryonic midbrain. Cranial nerves IV and VI also participate in control of eye movement.

The internal carotid artery is an artery in the neck which supplies the anterior circulation of the brain.

In anatomy, the orbit is the cavity or socket/hole of the skull in which the eye and its appendages are situated. "Orbit" can refer to the bony socket, or it can also be used to imply the contents. In the adult human, the volume of the orbit is 30 millilitres, of which the eye occupies 6.5 ml. The orbital contents comprise the eye, the orbital and retrobulbar fascia, extraocular muscles, cranial nerves II, III, IV, V, and VI, blood vessels, fat, the lacrimal gland with its sac and duct, the eyelids, medial and lateral palpebral ligaments, cheek ligaments, the suspensory ligament, septum, ciliary ganglion and short ciliary nerves.

The superior orbital fissure is a foramen or cleft of the skull between the lesser and greater wings of the sphenoid bone. It gives passage to multiple structures, including the oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, ophthalmic nerve, abducens nerve, ophthalmic veins, and sympathetic fibres from the cavernous plexus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ophthalmic artery</span> Artery of the head

The ophthalmic artery (OA) is an artery of the head. It is the first branch of the internal carotid artery distal to the cavernous sinus. Branches of the ophthalmic artery supply all the structures in the orbit around the eye, as well as some structures in the nose, face, and meninges. Occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or its branches can produce sight-threatening conditions.

The cavernous sinus within the human head is one of the dural venous sinuses creating a cavity called the lateral sellar compartment bordered by the temporal bone of the skull and the sphenoid bone, lateral to the sella turcica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ophthalmic nerve</span> Sensory nerve of the face

The ophthalmic nerve (CN V₁) is a sensory nerve of the head. It is one of three divisions of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), a cranial nerve. It has three major branches which provide sensory innervation to the eye, and the skin of the upper face and anterior scalp, as well as other structures of the head.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasociliary nerve</span> Branch of the ophthalmic nerve

The nasociliary nerve is a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V₁) (which is in turn a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V)). It is intermediate in size between the other two branches of the ophthalmic nerve, the frontal nerve and lacrimal nerve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inferior ophthalmic vein</span> Vein of the orbit around the eye

The inferior ophthalmic vein is a vein of the orbit that - together with the superior ophthalmic vein - represents the principal drainage system of the orbit. It begins from a venous network in the front of the orbit, then passes backwards through the lower orbit. It drains several structures of the orbit. It may end by splitting into two branches, one draining into the pterygoid venous plexus and the other ultimately into the cavernous sinus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anterior ethmoidal artery</span>

The anterior ethmoidal artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery in the orbit. It exits the orbit through the anterior ethmoidal foramen alongside the anterior ethmoidal nerve. It contributes blood supply to the ethmoid sinuses, frontal sinuses, the dura mater, lateral nasal wall, and nasal septum. It issues a meningeal branch, and nasal branches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angular vein</span> Vein of the face

The angular vein is a vein of the face. It is the upper part of the facial vein, above its junction with the superior labial vein. It is formed by the junction of the supratrochlear vein and supraorbital vein, and joins with the superior labial vein. It drains the medial canthus, and parts of the nose and the upper lip. It can be a route of spread of infection from the danger triangle of the face to the cavernous sinus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lacrimal artery</span> Artery of the orbit

The lacrimal artery is an artery of the orbit. It is a branch of the ophthalmic artery. It accompanies the lacrimal nerve along the upper border of the lateral rectus muscle, travelling forward to reach the lacrimal gland. It supplies the lacrimal gland, two rectus muscles of the eye, the eyelids, and the conjunctiva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Posterior ethmoidal nerve</span> Nerve of the orbit around the eye

The posterior ethmoidal nerve is a nerve of the head. It is a branch of the nasociliary nerve (itself a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V₁)). It provides sensory innervation to the sphenoid sinus and ethmoid sinus, and part of the dura mater in the anterior cranial fossa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Posterior ethmoidal artery</span>

The posterior ethmoidal artery is an artery of the head which arises from the ophthalmic artery to supply the posterior ethmoidal air cells, and the meninges. It is smaller than the anterior ethmoidal artery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supraorbital artery</span>

The supraorbital artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery. It passes anteriorly within the orbit to exit the orbit through the supraorbital foramen or notch alongside the supraorbital nerve, splitting into two terminal branches which go on to form anastomoses with arteries of the head.

The supratrochlear artery is one of the terminal branches of the ophthalmic artery. It arises within the orbit. It exits the orbit alongside the supratrochlear nerve. It contributes arterial supply to the skin, muscles and pericranium of the forehead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anterior ciliary arteries</span> Small arteries in the eye-socket

The anterior ciliary arteries are seven arteries in each eye-socket that arise from muscular branches of the ophthalmic artery and supply the conjunctiva, sclera, rectus muscles, and the ciliary body. The arteries end by anastomosing with branches of the long posterior ciliary arteries to form the circulus arteriosus major.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central retinal vein</span> Vein in the retina of the eye

The central retinal vein is a vein that drains the retina of the eye. It travels backwards through the centre of the optic nerve accompanied by the central retinal artery before exiting the optic nerve together with the central retinal artery to drain into either the superior ophthalmic vein or the cavernous sinus.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to human anatomy:

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Semmer, A. E.; McLoon, L. K.; Lee, M. S. (2010). "Orbital Vascular Anatomy". Encyclopedia of the Eye. Academic Press. pp. 241–251. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-374203-2.00284-0. ISBN 978-0-12-374203-2.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Remington, Lee Ann (2012). "11 - Orbital Blood Supply". Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System (3rd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. pp. 202–217. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4377-1926-0.10011-6. ISBN 978-1-4377-1926-0.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). New York. p. 780. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
↑ Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. p. 377. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
↑ Moini, Jahangir; Piran, Pirouz (2020). "5 - Blood supply of the CNS". Functional and Clinical Neuroanatomy - A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Academic Press. pp. 131–176. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-817424-1.00005-7. ISBN 978-0-12-817424-1. S2CID 212816072.
1 2 Semmer, A. E.; McLoon, L. K.; Lee, M. S. (2010). "Orbital Vascular Anatomy". Encyclopedia of the Eye. Academic Press. pp. 241–251. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-374203-2.00284-0. ISBN 978-0-12-374203-2.
1 2 Fielding, John A. (2011). "47 - The eye and orbit". Clinical Ultrasound. Vol. 2 (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. pp. 938–964. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-3131-1.00047-X. ISBN 978-0-7020-3131-1.
↑ Ahmed, A.; Albuquerque, F. C. (2014). Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences - Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology (2nd ed.). Academic Press. pp. 53–56. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-385157-4.00746-6. ISBN 978-0-12-385158-1.

External links

lesson3 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) ( orbit4 )
"Figure 47-5". Dartmouth.edu. Retrieved 2016-08-09.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[:3-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Semmer, A. E.; McLoon, L. K.; Lee, M. S. (2010). "Orbital Vascular Anatomy". Encyclopedia of the Eye. Academic Press. pp. 241–251. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-374203-2.00284-0. ISBN 978-0-12-374203-2.

[:0-2] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Remington, Lee Ann (2012). "11 - Orbital Blood Supply". Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System (3rd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. pp. 202–217. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4377-1926-0.10011-6. ISBN 978-1-4377-1926-0.

[:33-3] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). New York. p. 780. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

[:022-4] Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. p. 377. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.

[5] Moini, Jahangir; Piran, Pirouz (2020). "5 - Blood supply of the CNS". Functional and Clinical Neuroanatomy - A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Academic Press. pp. 131–176. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-817424-1.00005-7. ISBN 978-0-12-817424-1. S2CID 212816072.

[:1-6] 1 2 Semmer, A. E.; McLoon, L. K.; Lee, M. S. (2010). "Orbital Vascular Anatomy". Encyclopedia of the Eye. Academic Press. pp. 241–251. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-374203-2.00284-0. ISBN 978-0-12-374203-2.

[:2-7] 1 2 Fielding, John A. (2011). "47 - The eye and orbit". Clinical Ultrasound. Vol. 2 (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. pp. 938–964. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-3131-1.00047-X. ISBN 978-0-7020-3131-1.

[8] Ahmed, A.; Albuquerque, F. C. (2014). Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences - Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology (2nd ed.). Academic Press. pp. 53–56. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-385157-4.00746-6. ISBN 978-0-12-385158-1.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]