Optic Nerve

Synonyms

Cranial Nerve II

Cranial Nerve IIs

Cranial Nerve, Second

Cranial Nerves, Second

Nerve II, Cranial

Nerve IIs, Cranial

Nerve, Optic

Nerve, Second Cranial

Nerves, Optic

Nerves, Second Cranial

Nervus Opticus

Optic Nerves

Opticus, Nervus

Second Cranial Nerve

Second Cranial Nerves

The 2nd cranial nerve which conveys visual information from the RETINA to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the RETINAL GANGLION CELLS which sort at the OPTIC CHIASM and continue via the OPTIC TRACTS to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other targets include the SUPERIOR COLLICULI and the SUPRACHIASMATIC NUCLEI. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.