Vision and CN II functions
Key points
■ The optic nerve is myelinated by oligodendrocytes. It is the only part of the CNS that can be observed on clinical examination.
■ Photoreceptors in the deepest part of the retina convert light into action potentials.
The action potentials are modified by superficial layers of neurons, and exit the retina as axons in the optic nerve.■ The majority of optic nerve axons decussate, but the degree of decussation depends on the type of animal and correlates inversely with the degree of binocular vision.
■ Caudal to the optic chiasm the majority of optic nerve axons travel to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus and then to the visual cortex for visual perception. The remaining axons course to the midbrain for reflex function.
More on the topic Vision and CN II functions:
-
Veterinarian -