optic nerve

noun

, Anatomy.

1. either one of the second pair of cranial nerves, consisting of sensory fibers that conduct impulses from the retina to the brain.

optic nerve

noun

1. the second cranial nerve, which provides a sensory pathway from the retina to the brain

optic nerve

1. Either of the second pair of cranial nerves, which carry sensory information relating to vision from the retina of the eye to the brain. Disease or injury of the optic nerve can result in partial or total blindness.

optic nerve

1. The nerve that carries electrical signals from the retina in the eye to the brain .

Word History and Origins

Origin of optic nerve¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Light falls on the retina, goes through various layers of neurons, is sent down the optic nerve across the brain, and then all the way to the back of the brain where the visual cortex resides.

From Nautilus

Light still streams into the eye through the unaffected lens, and that light could still make its way to the brain via the optic nerve.

From Time

They will also examine the optic nerve and retina after dilating your eyes with drops, and look inside your eyes with a microscope.

From Washington Post

When you see a word, your retina and optic nerve send that information to the visual cortex, which creates the image you see.

From Popular-Science

Also the tender points of the fibres of the optic nerve would soon become blunted and the eye of course useless.

From Project Gutenberg

There are no colors; there is no light,—there is nothing but the ether waves, which cause a vibration of the optic nerve.

From Project Gutenberg

A diminution or total loss of sight, arising from paralysis of the retina or optic nerve.

From Project Gutenberg

Two people see a thing: put scientifically, the result of this is that each experiences a stimulation of the optic nerve.

From Project Gutenberg

Tell me how the optic nerve transmits to the thinking brain the perception of outward objects.

From Project Gutenberg