Which circulation supplies the outer retina via the posterior ciliary arteries?

Which circulation supplies the outer retina via the posterior ciliary arteries?

• A. Choroidal circulation
• B. Central retinal artery
• C. Anterior choroidal artery
• D. Ophthalmic artery

Answer: (A)

The outer retina depends on the choroidal circulation, delivered mainly by the posterior ciliary arteries. The photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium sit above the choroid and receive nutrients through the choriocapillaris, a rich capillary layer in the choroid fed by these arteries. In contrast, the inner retina is nourished by the central retinal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery that runs through the retina itself. The anterior choroidal artery contributes to the choroidal blood supply but the setup described—outer retina nourishment via posterior ciliary arteries—points to the choroidal circulation. The ophthalmic artery is the parent vessel giving rise to these arteries, not the specific circulation supplying the outer retina.

The outer retina depends on the choroidal circulation, delivered mainly by the posterior ciliary arteries. The photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium sit above the choroid and receive nutrients through the choriocapillaris, a rich capillary layer in the choroid fed by these arteries. In contrast, the inner retina is nourished by the central retinal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery that runs through the retina itself. The anterior choroidal artery contributes to the choroidal blood supply but the setup described—outer retina nourishment via posterior ciliary arteries—points to the choroidal circulation. The ophthalmic artery is the parent vessel giving rise to these arteries, not the specific circulation supplying the outer retina.