Short posterior ciliary arteries

The short posterior ciliary arteries from six to twelve in number, arise from the ophthalmic as it crosses the optic nerve.

They pass forward around the optic nerve to the posterior part of the eyeball, pierce the sclera around the entrance of the optic nerve, and supply the choroid (up to the equator of the eye) and ciliary processes.

Some branches of the short posterior ciliary arteries also supply the optic disc via an anastomotic ring (Circle of Zinn).