The optic chiasm is a part of the visual pathway. Key features:
- Location: Located at the base of the brain, above the pituitary gland.
- Function:
- Nerve fibers from the nasal part of each retina cross over (decussate) here.
- Allows for integration of visual information from both eyes.
- Importance:
- Plays a crucial role in binocular vision and visual field processing.
- Lesions or damage to the optic chiasm can cause specific visual field defects (like bitemporal hemianopia).
The optic chiasm is a key structure in the visual pathway.
