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Glite Dictionary
chiasma opticum

chiasma opticum

9.6
A place at the base of the brain where the nerves from the two eyes cross
  • noun
  • /kaɪˈæzmə ˈɑptɪkəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : quiasma óptico
  • In humans, the chiasma opticum is located at the base of the brain.

Examples

  • The chiasma opticum is crucial for transmitting visual information to both hemispheres of the brain.

  • Damage to the chiasma opticum can lead to visual field defects in both eyes.

  • During the operation, the surgeon carefully avoided injuring the chiasma opticum.

  • The chiasma opticum is crucial for vision.

  • Damage to the chiasma opticum can lead to visual field defects in both eyes.

  • During the operation, the surgeon carefully avoided injuring the chiasma opticum.

  • The chiasma opticum is crucial for transmitting visual information to both hemispheres of the brain.

Synonyms

optic chiasm
vschiasma opticum
  • Specialized
1 8.6

An X-shaped part at the base of the brain where the eye nerves cross

is the same meaning but is an alternative spelling
optic chiasma
vschiasma opticum
  • Specialized
8.2

An X-shaped part at the base of the brain where the nerves from the two eyes cross

is the same meaning but written with a different ending

Surface Forms

chiasma opticum singular
chiasma optica singular

Morphology

chiasma + opticum

The phrase is compositionally built from 'chiasma' (an anatomical crossing) and 'opticum' (relating to the optic/eyes), so the meaning 'crossing point of the optic nerves' is directly derivable from the constituents. Latin/medical compounding of this type is regular and cross-linguistically familiar in scientific vocabulary, making it predictable for learners who know both parts.

Etymology

Chiasma opticum describes the place where the nerves from each eye cross like an X near the brain. The word chiasma means 'cross' and optic refers to the 'eye', so the name points to this crossing that helps send visual signals to both sides of the brain.