What is the main innervation of the choroidal vessels?

Prepare for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the main innervation of the choroidal vessels?

Explanation:
Sympathetic innervation provides the primary control of choroidal vessel tone, causing vasoconstriction. Postganglionic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion reach the choroid and release norepinephrine onto smooth muscle in the vessel walls, narrowing the vessels and reducing blood flow as needed to help regulate ocular perfusion. Parasympathetic input to the choroid does exist and can influence blood flow, but it is not the dominant mechanism. Somatic nerves do not regulate choroidal vessel smooth muscle, and there is innervation, so “no innervation” isn’t correct.

Sympathetic innervation provides the primary control of choroidal vessel tone, causing vasoconstriction. Postganglionic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion reach the choroid and release norepinephrine onto smooth muscle in the vessel walls, narrowing the vessels and reducing blood flow as needed to help regulate ocular perfusion. Parasympathetic input to the choroid does exist and can influence blood flow, but it is not the dominant mechanism. Somatic nerves do not regulate choroidal vessel smooth muscle, and there is innervation, so “no innervation” isn’t correct.

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