![autonomic nervous system lens autonomic nervous system lens](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b0/62/f5/b062f5abe2eb0a9be1e525c0aee038a3.png)
Additionally, known as the ciliary nerves, these nerves include three roots (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory fibers), attached to the CG. The CG is a small red-gray quadrangular plate, approximately 3 mm long, situated near the apex of the orbit and specifically varies according to the position of the optic nerves.
![autonomic nervous system lens autonomic nervous system lens](http://anatomyzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Ciliary-Body.png)
![autonomic nervous system lens autonomic nervous system lens](https://image1.slideserve.com/1754992/slide2-l.jpg)
Around 3% of the postganglionic neurons from CG in macaques were showed heading toward the sphincter pupillae, and in cats, this portion increases to 10–15%. The CG, as a transfer station for the parasympathetic nerve behind the eye, is mainly involved in ocular accommodation and pupil constriction. Using neural circuit tracing methods, the motoneurons in the macaque EWpg have been observed to be organized into a single column that runs longitudinally and dorsally to the oculomotor nucleus. Further research on the ultrastructure of macaque EWpg motoneurons suggested the presence of multiple inputs from different types of neuronal terminal.
![autonomic nervous system lens autonomic nervous system lens](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/humannervoussystem-120418042940-phpapp01/95/human-nervous-system-10-728.jpg)
In mice, rats, ferrets, cats, and humans, the EWcp, which was previously defined cytoarchitecturally, has been shown to contain peptidergic neurons that express urocortin-1 and project centrally within the brain, instead of cholinergic neurons. The other part, the centrally projecting peptidergic neurons, is termed the Edinger-Westphal centrally projecting (EWcp) population”. It has been suggested that “the cholinergic, preganglionic neurons supplying the CG are termed the Edinger-Westphal preganglionic (EWpg) population. This difference in localization has created confusion. However, in mice, rats, ferrets, cats, and humans, the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons projecting to the CG do not accurately correspond with the reported location in the cytoarchitecturally defined EW these neurons are scattered outside the EWn and in the perioculomotor region, ventral to the oculomotor nucleus. Since the first description of EWn in the literature, it has been attributed with the function of providing parasympathetic control to the eye. Within the eyeball, they distribute in the pupillary sphincter and ciliary muscles where they exert their functions. These nerves travel to the bilateral ciliary ganglion (CG) via the oculomotor root of the ciliary ganglion the postganglionic fibers enter the eyeball through the short ciliary nerve, along with other sympathetic postganglionic and trigeminal sensory fibers. In primates, the EWn lies immediately dorsal to the somatic subdivisions of the oculomotor nuclear complex, which contains the neurons that form the oculomotor nerve within the midbrain. Several commonly used ophthalmic medications affect the activity of acetylcholine receptors in synapses of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems (Fig 16-1).From around 21 weeks of gestation in humans, the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWn) forms a unique and complex 3D structure consisting of 2–3 parts. Global Programs and Resources for National Societies.Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Campaign.Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Meetings.Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Directory.International Blindness Prevention Award.Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) Exam.What Practices Are Saying About the Registry.LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award.Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center.Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines.Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs.My Dashboard My Education Find an Ophthalmologist.