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Glite Dictionary
chiasma

chiasma

9.9
An X-shaped place where two nerve fibers or chromosomes cross
  • noun
  • /kaɪˈæzmə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : quiasma
  • Damage to the chiasma can result in significant visual deficits, affecting how both eyes coordinate in seeing.

Examples

  • The chiasma is crucial for binocular vision, enabling depth perception by combining input from both eyes.

  • Damage to the chiasma can lead to visual field defects.

  • During meiosis, chromosomes form a chiasma as they exchange genetic material.

  • The optic chiasma is where the optic nerves partially cross.

  • The optic chiasma is crucial for vision.

  • In anatomy, a chiasma refers to the crossing of nerve fibers.

  • In the visual pathway, the chiasma allows signals from the left eye to be processed by the right hemisphere of the brain.

Synonyms

chiasm
vschiasma
  • Specialized
2 9.9

A place where two nerves cross in an X shape

means the same but keeps the original final vowel ending
decussation
vschiasma
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A place where two nerve paths cross like an X

focuses more narrowly on crossings of tracts, especially nerve fibers

Compounds

chiasma opticum
  • Specialized
9.6

A place at the base of the brain where the nerves from the two eyes cross

optic chiasma
  • Specialized
8.2

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

Surface Forms

chiasma singular
chiasmata plural

Etymology

Chiasma comes from the Greek letter chi, which looks like an 'X' and originally meant a 'crossing'. So a chiasma is an X-shaped crossing, like where nerves or chromosomes cross.