Anatomy

Optic Chiasm

The X-shaped structure formed by the meeting of the two optic nerves. At the optic chiasm the fibers from the medial part of each retina cross to project to the other side of the brain while the lateral retinal fibers continue on the same side. As a result each half of the brain receives information about the contralateral visual field from both eyes.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The X-shaped structure formed by the meeting of the two optic nerves. At the optic chiasm the fibers from the medial part of each retina cross to project to the other side of the brain while the lateral retinal fibers continue on the same side. As a result each half of the brain receives information about the contralateral visual field from both eyes.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

15 entry terms
  • Chiasma Opticum
  • Optic Chiasma
  • Optic Decussation
  • Chiasm, Optic
  • Chiasma Opticums
  • Chiasma, Optic
  • Chiasmas, Optic
  • Chiasms, Optic
  • Decussation, Optic
  • Decussations, Optic
  • Optic Chiasmas
  • Optic Chiasms
  • Optic Decussations
  • Opticum, Chiasma
  • Opticums, Chiasma

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

22 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

neopl: coord IM with OPTIC NERVE NEOPLASMS (IM) + histol type of neopl (IM)

MeSH Record

History Note

66(64)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WW 280

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Optic Chiasm. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009897. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009897
  2. Optic Chiasm. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optic_chiasm
  3. Optic Chiasm. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1071710