What is NOT a branch of the ophthalmic artery according to CL MS LSE?

To identify what is not a branch of the ophthalmic artery, it's helpful to understand the anatomy and branches of this important blood vessel. The ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery, supplies blood to the eye and its surrounding structures.

The short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA) are indeed branches of the ophthalmic artery. They play a crucial role in supplying blood to the choroid and the optic nerve head, making them essential for ocular health.

The term "EOM" refers to extraocular muscles. While the ophthalmic artery does provide blood supply to these muscles, they are typically not categorized as direct branches of the ophthalmic artery. Instead, these muscles receive blood from multiple smaller vessels that branch off, which can cause some confusion regarding their classification.

The central retinal artery (CRA) also branches from the ophthalmic artery and is responsible for supplying blood to the retina itself, which is vital for maintaining its function.

The suprachoroidal vessels, which branch from the ophthalmic artery as well, supply the choroid and are involved in the vascularization of the eye.

Thus, the extraocular muscles, while supplied by the arteries stemming from the ophthalmic artery, do not constitute a distinct