Visual Pathways & Processing

Question 1

Do the medial fibers of the optic nerve decussate? If so, where?

Answer 1

Yes, they decussate at the optic chiasma.

Question 2

Do the lateral fibers of the optic nerve decussate? If so, where?

Answer 2

No, project to ipsilateral side.

Question 3

Most fibers of the optic tracts go where?

Answer 3

To the thalamus

Question 4

Where do some optic tract fibers go?

Answer 4

To the superior colliculi = initiating visual reflexes.

Question 5

How is depth perception achieved?

Answer 5

By both eyes (BINOCULAR VISION).

Question 6

A small subset of visual fibers from the Blue Cones contain what?

Answer 6

Melanopsin = helps to set daily biorhythms.

Question 7

What is Retinal Processing?

Answer 7

Receptive fields of the ganglion cells detect different light patterns.

Question 8

What is Thalamic Processing?

Answer 8

• Relays information on movement
• Segregates the retinal axons in preparation for depth perception.
• Sharpens the contrast information received by the retina.

Question 9

What is Cortical Process?

Answer 9

• Primary visual cortex processes basic dark/bright & contrast information.
• Visual association areas process form, color, & movement.

Question 10

After visual information is processed where does it go?

Answer 10

Temporal Lobe = process identification of objects.

Parietal Cortex & Postcentral Gyrus = process spatial location.