Question

The ophthalmic artery is a branch of which of the following?

• A. Cavernous part of the internal carotid artery (ICA)
• B. Cerebral part of the internal carotid artery (ICA)
• C. Middle cerebral artery (MCA)
• D. Facial artery

Hint:

It arises just after the ICA exits the cavernous sinus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Parts of the internal carotid artery. The ICA is divided into four parts: cervical, petrous, cavernous, and cerebral. The cervical part gives no branch, the petrous part gives caroticotympanic and pterygoid branches, and the cavernous part gives meningeal, hypophyseal, and cavernous branches.

Step 2: Branches of the cerebral part. The cerebral (supraclinoid) part of the ICA gives the ophthalmic artery, posterior communicating artery, anterior choroidal artery, anterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery.

Step 3: Locate the ophthalmic artery. Since the ophthalmic artery arises as the ICA emerges into the cranial cavity after leaving the cavernous sinus, it is a branch of the cerebral part of the ICA. So options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect.

Step 4: Conclusion. The ophthalmic artery is a branch of the cerebral part of the ICA, so the correct answer is option (b).