Nervus opticus

Nervus Opticus or the Optic Nerve is a paired cranial nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. It is the second of the twelve paired cranial nerves but is often considered part of the central nervous system.

Anatomy

The Nervus Opticus is composed of retinal ganglion cell axons and glial cells. Each human optic nerve contains between 770,000 and 1.7 million nerve fibers, which are axons of the retinal ganglion cells of one retina.

Function

The primary function of the Nervus Opticus is the transmission of visual information from the retina to the visual centers of the brain. It also plays a key role in the pupillary light reflex and circadian rhythms.

Clinical significance

Damage to the optic nerve can cause vision loss, and is most commonly associated with glaucoma, a disease that increases intraocular pressure and thereby damages the optic nerve fibers.

See also

• Eye
• Visual system
• Cranial nerves
• Glaucoma