optic chiasm

Introduction

Crossing over of fibers of the optic nerve to the contralateral side forming the optic tracts. The pituitary gland lies just posterior to the optic chiasm.

Pathology

• a lesion involving the optic chiasm generally results in bitemporal hemianopia

More general terms

• brain structure

Additional terms

• optic tract

Component of

• optic nerve (CN II, ON)