Branches of ophthalmic artery (mnemonic)
A useful mnemonic to remember the branches of the ophthalmic artery is:
- DR MCLESSI
Mnemonic
- D: dorsal nasal artery
- R: (central) retinal artery
- M: muscular artery
- C: ciliary arteries (long, short and anterior)
- L: lacrimal artery
- E: ethmoidal arteries (anterior and posterior)
- S: supraorbital artery
- S: supratrochlear artery (frontal artery)
- I: internal palpebral 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.
