Short posterior ciliary arteries
The short posterior ciliary arteries, around seven in number arise from the medial posterior ciliary artery and lateral posterior ciliary artery which are branches of the ophthalmic artery as it crosses the optic nerve.They pass forward around the optic nerve to the posterior part of the eyeball, pierce the sclera around the entrance of the optic nerve, and supply the choroid and ciliary processes.
Some branches of the short posterior ciliary arteries also supply the optic disc via an anastomotic ring, the Circle of Zinn-Haller or Circle of Zinn, which is associated with the fibrous extension of the ocular tendons.Additional images
