MeSH Browser

MeSH Heading: Optic Nerve
Tree Number(s): A08.800.800.120.680
Unique ID: D009900
RDF Unique Identifier: http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D009900
Annotation: neoplasms = OPTIC NERVE NEOPLASMS + histological type of neoplasm; atrophy = OPTIC ATROPHY; neuritis = OPTIC NEURITIS; OPTIC NERVE HEAD see OPTIC DISK is also available
Scope Note: 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.
Entry Term(s): Cranial Nerve II; Nervus Opticus; Second Cranial Nerve
NLM Classification #: WW 280
Entry Combination: injuries:Optic Nerve Injuries
Date Established: 1966/01/01
Date of Entry: 1999/01/01
Revision Date: 2019/04/16

Entry Combination: injuries:Optic Nerve Injuries
Allowable Qualifiers: abnormalities (AB)

anatomy & histology (AH)

blood supply (BS)

chemistry (CH)

cytology (CY)

diagnostic imaging (DG)

drug effects (DE)

embryology (EM)

enzymology (EN)

growth & development (GD)

immunology (IM)

metabolism (ME)

microbiology (MI)

parasitology (PS)

pathology (PA)

physiology (PH)

physiopathology (PP)

radiation effects (RE)

surgery (SU)

transplantation (TR)

ultrastructure (UL)

virology (VI)

Concept UI: M0015357
Scope Note: 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.
Terms: Optic Nerve Preferred Term
Term UI T029317
Date01/01/1999
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (1966); Second Cranial Nerve
Term UI T029318
Date07/31/1996
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (1998); Cranial Nerve II
Term UI T029319
Date07/31/1996
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (1998); Nervus Opticus
Term UI T857182
Date03/24/2014
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2015)

Optic Nerve MeSH Descriptor Data 2025