CN II Course


The optic nerve begins in the retina as secondary sensory neurons (ganglion cell axons which are relaying signals from the rods and cones) passing posterior through the optic canal. Posterior to the canal, temporal fibers decussate in the optic chiasm (anterior to the thalamus). Optic tracts pass from the chiasm to the lateral geniculate body where they terminate. Tertiary neurons then continue on posteriorly as optic radiations to the visual cortex in the occipital lobe. Optic nerve nuclei are located in the lateral geniculate body in the diencephalon.         

  1. Gross Cross Section
  2. Cartoon