Corpus: Long root of the ciliary ganglion

The long root of the ciliary ganglion is a branch of the nasociliary nerve that contributes to the sensory innervation of the eye.

The long root of the ciliary ganglion typically branches off from the nasociliary nerve as it passes between the two heads of the lateral rectus muscle. It runs anteriorly along the lateral side of the optic nerve and enters the ciliary ganglion at its posterosuperior end.

This nerve carries somatosensory fibers from the eyeball, which pass through the ciliary ganglion without synapsing. The cell bodies of these sensory fibers are located in the trigeminal ganglion.

The long root of the ciliary ganglion provides sensory innervation to the cornea and parts of the conjunctiva, playing a crucial role in conveying sensation from these structures.