Continue removing the orbital fat and identify the more inferior structures of the orbit.

  1. Identify the optic and nasociliary nerves and the ophthalmic artery. (G 7.33B;N 86;Gl 35.12B) Attempt to identify the long ciliary, anterior ethmoidal and infratrochlear nerves.  
    Important Relationship
    • The nasociliary nerve passes directly superior to the optic nerve.
    • The nasociliary nerve (anterior ethmoidal and infratrochlear branches) passes directly superior to the medial rectus muscle and directly inferior to the superior oblique muscle.
    • The ophthalmic artery passes inferior, lateral and superior to the optic nerve.
  2. Identify the medial and lateral rectus muscles. (G 7.33B;N 84;Gl 35.2B) Identify the abducens nerve entering the proximal medial aspect of the lateral rectus muscle.
  3. Use small sharp scissors to remove a 1 cm section of the optic nerve. Remove additional orbital fat and identify the inferior rectus muscle and the inferior ramus of the oculomotor nerve. (G 7.33B;N 86;Gl 35.5)
Left Nasociliary Nerve (medial to the left)
Left Anterior Ethmoidal Nerve and Artery (medial to the left)
Left Oculomotor and Abducens Nerves (medial to the bottom)

Overview