How Do You Spell OPTIC DECUSSATION?

1. Optic decussation refers to a vital anatomical structure and process that occurs in the visual system of many organisms, including humans. It is specifically related to the crossing-over of nerve fibers from each eye to the opposite side of the brain.

   In the optic decussation, the optic nerves from the left and right eyes converge and partially cross over, resulting in each eye sending visual information to both hemispheres of the brain. This crossing takes place at the level of the chiasm, which is located at the base of the brain.

   The main purpose of optic decussation is to allow for binocular vision and depth perception. By combining visual input from both eyes, the brain can create a detailed and unified image of the surrounding environment. It also ensures that the information received by each eye is relayed to the contralateral cerebral hemisphere, enhancing the integration and processing of visual stimuli.

   Additionally, optic decussation plays a crucial role in visual field organization. The left visual field of both eyes is processed by the right hemisphere of the brain, while the right visual field is processed by the left hemisphere. This arrangement enables a more efficient processing of visual information and facilitates coordinated motor responses.

   Understanding the process and structure of optic decussation is fundamental in the field of neuroscience and ophthalmology, as it provides insights into various visual disorders and conditions that may arise from abnormalities in the optic pathway.

2. Optic chiasm.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPTIC DECUSSATION

The word "optic decussation" is derived from two main terms: "optic" and "decussation".

- "Optic" comes from the Latin word "opticus", which means "relating to sight or vision". It is also rooted in the Greek word "optikos", which means "of or relating to sight".

- "Decussation" comes from the Latin word "decussare", which means "to divide by cross-crossing lines" or "to make an X-shaped mark". It is derived from the Latin word "decussis", which means "the figure 'X' or a tenth part".

Therefore, when combined, "optic decussation" refers to the point at which the optic nerve fibers from each eye cross to the opposite side of the brain, creating an X-shaped crossing pattern.