optic nerve
Definition
Noun: - The cranial nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain: The optic nerve is a bundle of over one million nerve fibers that carries electrical signals generated by the retina's light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) to the visual centers in the brain.
Usage
The term "optic nerve" is used to refer specifically to this anatomical structure. It is a singular, countable noun. - The ophthalmologist examined the back of my eye to check the health of my optic nerve. - Damage to the optic nerve can result in permanent vision loss. - Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure that damages the optic nerve.
Advanced Usage
- "Optic nerve head" or "optic disc": The specific point at the back of the eye where the optic nerve exits the retina. This area lacks photoreceptor cells, creating a natural blind spot.
- The doctor noted slight cupping of the optic nerve head, a sign of possible glaucoma.
Variants and Related Words
- Cranial Nerve II (CN II): The formal anatomical designation for the optic nerve.
- The second cranial nerve is the optic nerve.
- Optic (adjective): Relating to the eye or vision.
- An optic examination.
- Optic chiasm (noun): The point in the brain where the two optic nerves partially cross.
- Tumors near the optic chiasm can affect vision from both eyes.
Synonyms
- Second cranial nerve: The formal synonym.
- Nervus opticus: The Latin term used in medical terminology.
Related Phrases
- Optic nerve atrophy: The degeneration or wasting away of the optic nerve.
- The patient's vision loss was due to optic nerve atrophy.
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve.
- Optic neuritis is sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis.
Noun
-
the cranial nerve that serves the retina
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