Optic tract
Optic Tract
The Optic Tract (pronunciation: /ˈɒptɪk trækt/) is an important part of the visual system in the human body.
Etymology
The term "Optic" is derived from the Greek word "optikos", meaning "of sight", and "Tract" is derived from the Latin word "tractus", meaning "a drawing out".
Definition
The Optic Tract is a continuation of the Optic Nerve that relays visual information from the Retina to the brain. It is a bundle of nerve fibers that carry visual stimuli from the retina to the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) of the Thalamus and the Superior Colliculus.
Function
The primary function of the Optic Tract is to transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. This information includes details about color, contrast, brightness, and motion. The Optic Tract also plays a crucial role in the pupillary light reflex, a reflex that controls the diameter of the pupil in response to changes in light intensity.
Related Terms
- Optic Nerve: The nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
- Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
- Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN): A relay center in the thalamus for the visual pathway.
- Thalamus: The large mass of gray matter in the diencephalon of the brain with several functions such as relaying of sensory signals, including motor signals, to the cerebral cortex, and the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness.
- Superior Colliculus: A part of the brain located in the midbrain that plays a role in visual and auditory reflexes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Optic tract
- Wikipedia's article - Optic tract
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