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Optic Chiasm, Chiasmal Syndrome

Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology
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Synonyms

Chiasma opticum

Definition

The optic chiasm (from the Greek for “crosspiece”) is the anatomical location where the two optic nerves, having left the eyes, join together before then separating once more as the two distinct optic tracts, thus forming an anatomical “X.” Chiasmal syndrome is the name given to the group of symptoms and signs that occur together as a result of lesions affecting the optic chiasm.

Overview

Optic Chiasm

This optic chiasm measures 15 mm in width and 3.5 mm in height [1] and has several important structures located adjacent to it; below the optic chiasm, in a bony excavation called the sella turcica, lies the pituitary gland, and either side of it are found the venous cavernous sinuses, which transmit the internal carotid artery and several important cranial nerves. The frontal lobe of the brain sits above the chiasm, and the floor of the third ventricle lies behind. The optic chiasm is significant because it is here that the visual signals coming from...

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References

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Correspondence to Jonathan Aboshiha .

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Aboshiha, J. (2019). Optic Chiasm, Chiasmal Syndrome. In: Shamey, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_273-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_273-2

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Optic Chiasm, Chiasmal Syndrome
    Published:
    17 May 2019

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_273-2

  2. Original

    Optic Chiasm, Chiasmal Syndrome
    Published:
    06 April 2015

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_273-1