Optic Nerve
The optic nerve is the route by which information is sent from the eye for processing by the brain. An optic nerve leaves the posterior surface of each eye, as shown in the diagram of the eye.
The optic nerve is the second cranial nerve (II), so called because this nerve transmits visual information. Each optic nerve contains approx. one million fibres carrying information from the rods and cones of the retina.
The optic nerves progress from the posterior of the eyeball, into the skull, through the optic chiasma (also known as the optic commissure), then on to the cortex of the occipital lobe on each side of the brain.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye.
For other descriptions in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete / exhaustive list).
Other related sections include:
- A labelled diagram of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina with brief descriptions of the parts of the retina
- Diseases and disorders of the human eye and the human visual system
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
