The 2nd cranial nerve which conveys visual information from the RETINA to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the RETINAL GANGLION CELLS which sort at the OPTIC CHIASM and continue via the OPTIC TRACTS to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other targets include the SUPERIOR COLLICULI and the SUPRACHIASMATIC NUCLEI. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Descriptor ID	D009900
MeSH Number(s)	A08.800.800.120.680
Concept/Terms	Optic Nerve Optic Nerve Nerve, Optic Nerves, Optic Optic Nerves Nervus Opticus Opticus, Nervus Second Cranial Nerve Cranial Nerve, Second Cranial Nerves, Second Nerve, Second Cranial Nerves, Second Cranial Second Cranial Nerves Cranial Nerve II Cranial Nerve IIs Nerve II, Cranial Nerve IIs, Cranial

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Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more specific than "Optic Nerve".