A useful mnemonic to remember the branches of the ophthalmic artery is:
DR MCLESSI
Mnemonic
M: muscular artery
C: ciliary arteries (long, short and anterior)
E: ethmoidal arteries (anterior and posterior)
S: supratrochlear artery (frontal artery)
The order of the mnemonic is not the correct order of the branches as they arise from the ophthalmic artery. The first and second last branches of the mnemonic are the terminal branches, both of which exit the orbit medially to supply the forehead and scalp.
Another mnemonic to remember the branches with respect to their initial branching point from the ophthalmic artery is:
Lateral:
-
Lacrimal
Lateral palpebral artery
Zygomaticofacial artery
Zygomaticotemporal artery
Central:
Central retinal artery
Medial:
Smart Little Pipes Supply All My Sight's Demands (from proximal to distal)
Short posterior ciliary artery
Long posterior ciliary artery
Posterior ethmoidal artery
Supraorbital artery
Anterior ethmoidal artery
Medial palpebral artery
Supratrochlear artery
Dorsal nasal artery
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