optic chiasma
1
8.2
- noun
- /ˈɑptɪk ˈkaɪæzmə/
- Specialized
- Damage to the optic chiasma can lead to significant visual impairments due to disrupted nerve pathways.
Examples
-
The optic chiasma is crucial for the processing of visual information as it allows the crossing of optic nerves from each eye.
-
Tumors near the optic chiasma may affect both visual fields.
-
Damage to the optic chiasma can result in loss of peripheral vision.
-
The optic chiasma is a crucial site for the partial crossing of nerve fibers from the eyes.
-
The optic chiasma is crucial for vision.
-
Many studies focus on the optic chiasma in brain research.
-
At the optic chiasma, the optic nerves intersect before sending signals to the brain's visual cortex.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A place where two nerves cross in an X shape
1
8.6
An X-shaped part at the base of the brain where the eye nerves cross
1
9.9
An X-shaped place where two nerve fibers or chromosomes cross
1
9.6
A place at the base of the brain where the nerves from the two eyes cross
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term combines 'optic' (relating to vision/eyes) with 'chiasma' (an anatomical crossing), so the meaning 'the crossing of the optic nerves' is directly compositional from the constituents. Although it's technical vocabulary, the modifier+head pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically regular, so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Optic chiasma is named for the place where the optic, or eye, nerves meet and form a chiasma, a 'crossing' shaped like the letter 'X'. That's why the term means the X-shaped spot under the brain where nerve fibers swap sides, so damage there can affect both sides of your vision.