Microcirculation of the anterior part of the optic nerve.

In 85% of the cases the central retinal artery gives off branches for the blood supply of the optic nerve. In this series of 35 optic nerves no central optic nerve artery was found, but frequently and axial vascular system, formed by branches of the central retinal artery was observed. In the region of the lamina cribrosa the central retinal artery gives no important branches.