Optic radiation
Optic Radiation
The Optic Radiation (pronunciation: /ˈɒptɪk reɪˈdeɪʃən/), also known as the Geniculocalcarine Tract or Tractus Opticus, is a collection of axons that relay visual information from the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) to the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe of the brain.
Etymology
The term "Optic Radiation" is derived from the Latin words "Opticus" meaning "of sight" and "Radiatio" meaning "a shining". This term was first used in the 19th century to describe the pathway of the visual signal from the eye to the brain.
Anatomy
The Optic Radiation is a part of the visual pathway that carries visual information from the Retina to the Visual Cortex. It begins at the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) of the Thalamus, where it receives input from the Optic Tract. From the LGN, the Optic Radiation fibers fan out and pass through the Temporal Lobe and the Parietal Lobe to reach the primary visual cortex in the Occipital Lobe.
Function
The primary function of the Optic Radiation is to transmit visual information from the retina to the visual cortex. This information includes details about color, contrast, brightness, and motion. The Optic Radiation is crucial for the perception of visual stimuli and the formation of visual images.
Related Terms
- Visual Pathway: The route that visual information takes from the eye to the brain, which includes the Optic Radiation.
- Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN): A relay center in the thalamus for the visual pathway, where the Optic Radiation begins.
- Visual Cortex: The part of the brain where visual information is processed, and the final destination of the Optic Radiation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Optic radiation
- Wikipedia's article - Optic radiation
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