Anatomy and physiology of the eye: blood supply of the optic nerve head: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Anatomy and physiology of the eye: blood supply of the optic nerve head

Sample item

A 68-year-old with sudden painless inferior altitudinal field loss has a pale swollen optic disc. Which vessels chiefly supply the prelaminar and laminar parts of the optic nerve head, explaining this infarct?

ACentral retinal arteryBAnterior ciliary arteriesCLong posterior ciliary arteriesDShort posterior ciliary arteries

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Short posterior ciliary arteries

The short posterior ciliary arteries, via the circle of Zinn and Haller, supply the optic nerve head, and their hypoperfusion causes anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. The central retinal artery supplies the retrolaminar nerve and inner retina. Long posterior ciliary arteries supply the ciliary body and anterior choroid.

Option by option

A. Central retinal artery
The central retinal artery supplies the inner retina and only the retrolaminar nerve, so its occlusion looks different.
B. Anterior ciliary arteries
Anterior ciliary arteries arise from the muscular branches to supply the anterior sclera and limbus.
C. Long posterior ciliary arteries
Long posterior ciliary arteries run to the ciliary body and anterior choroid, not the disc.
D. Short posterior ciliary arteries (correct)
Correct. Short posterior ciliary arteries feed the optic nerve head through the circle of Zinn and Haller.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Short posterior ciliary arteries. The short posterior ciliary arteries, via the circle of Zinn and Haller, supply the optic nerve head, and their hypoperfusion causes anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Why is "Central retinal artery" not the answer?

The central retinal artery supplies the inner retina and only the retrolaminar nerve, so its occlusion looks different.

Why is "Anterior ciliary arteries" not the answer?

Anterior ciliary arteries arise from the muscular branches to supply the anterior sclera and limbus.

Why is "Long posterior ciliary arteries" not the answer?

Long posterior ciliary arteries run to the ciliary body and anterior choroid, not the disc.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy and physiology of the eye: blood supply of the optic nerve head in Ophthalmology. The central retinal artery supplies the retrolaminar nerve and inner retina. Long posterior ciliary arteries supply the ciliary body and anterior choroid.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Anatomy and physiology of the eye: blood supply of the optic nerve head?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.