Anatomy

Optic Nerve

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.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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.

MeSH Record

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Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

11 entry terms
  • Cranial Nerve II
  • Nervus Opticus
  • Second Cranial Nerve
  • Cranial Nerve, Second
  • Cranial Nerves, Second
  • Nerve, Optic
  • Nerve, Second Cranial
  • Nerves, Optic
  • Nerves, Second Cranial
  • Optic Nerves
  • Second Cranial Nerves

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, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

neoplasms = OPTIC NERVE NEOPLASMS + histological type of neoplasm; atrophy = OPTIC ATROPHY; neuritis = OPTIC NEURITIS; OPTIC NERVE HEAD see OPTIC DISK is also available

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A08w.800w.800w.120w.680w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WW 280

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Optic Nerve. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009900. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009900
  2. Optic Nerve. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optic_nerve
  3. Optic Nerve. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186029