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Autonomic pathways in the orbit of the human fetus and the rhesus monkey

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Abstract

In order to study the three-dimensional topography of the intra-orbital autonomic nerve plexuses and the input for these systems, human fetuses and adult rhesus monkeys were investigated. Specimens of the orbits were processed according to the histochemical acetylcholinesterase methods for staining of peripheral nerves. The nerve fibers enter the orbit along the following pathways: 1. bundles of nerve fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion (mainly parasympathetic) by penetrating the orbital muscle (Müller); 2. perivascularly along the ophthalmic artery (sympathetic). In the orbit the nerve fibers intermingle. The pathways of the nerve fibers from this interwoven nerve plexus towards the target organs are: 1. perivascularly along branches of the ophthalmic artery; 2. perineurally along and in the branches of the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves; 3. independently of blood vessels and cranial nerve branches in Tenon's capsule. Moreover, bundles of nerve fibers from the ciliary ganglion contribute to the innervation of extraocular structures, e.g. the eyelids. It can be concluded that, as far as the autonomic innervation of the orbit is concerned, the monkey is a good animal model for neuroanatomical studies.

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Abbreviations

ac:

ciliary artery

ao:

opthalmic artery

b:

ulbus oculi

bo:

bony orbit

gc:

cliary ganglion

gl:

lacrimal gland

gp:

pterygopalatine ganglion

mlp:

levator (palpebral) muscle

mo:

orbital muscle (Müller)

moi:

inferior oblique muscle

mos:

superior oblique muscle

mri:

inferior rectus muscle

mrl:

lateral reclus muscle

mrla:

accessory lateral rectus muscle

mrm:

medial rectus muscle

mrs:

superior rectus muscle

mti:

inferior tarsal muscle

mts:

superior tarsal muscle

nll:

optic nerve

nlll:

oculomotor nerve

nl:

lacrimal nerve

nnc:

ciliary nerves

noi:

infraorbital nerve

or:

orbital nerve branch

pal:

eye lid

pnpc:

nerve plexus of the palpebral conjunctiva

pnro:

retro-ocular nerve plexus

sno:

optic nerve sheath

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, NL-1105, AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    B. Baljet Dr.

  2. The Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute (I.O.I.), P.O. Box 12141, NL-1100, AC Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    F. van der Werf & A. J. Otto

Authors
  1. B. Baljet Dr.
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  2. F. van der Werf
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  3. A. J. Otto
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Baljet, B., van der Werf, F. & Otto, A.J. Autonomic pathways in the orbit of the human fetus and the rhesus monkey. Doc Ophthalmol 72, 247–264 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153492

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