Is the term "fasciculus opticus cerebralis" more justifiable than the term "optic nerve"?

• Published in: Collegium antropologicum Vol. 37 Suppl 1; pp. 3 - 8
• Main Authors: Vojniković, Bojo, Bajek, Snjezana, Bajek, Goran, Strenja-Linić, Ines, Grubesić, Aron
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Croatia 01.04.2013
• Subjects: Humans; Optic Nerve - anatomy & histology; Optic Nerve - embryology; Optic Nerve - physiology; Terminology as Topic
• ISSN: 0350-6134

The terminology of the optic nerve had already been changed three times, since 1895 until 1955 when the term "nervus opticus" was introduced in the "Terminologia Anatomica". Following our study we claim that, from the aspect of phylogenetic evolution of binocular vision development as well as optical embryogenesis where opticus is evidently presented as a product of diencephalic structures, the addition of the term "nervus" to opticus is not adequate and justified. From the clinical aspect the term "nervus opticus" is also inadequate, both as a "nerve" that has no functional regenerative properties, unlike other cranial nerves, as well as from a pedagogical and didactical aspect of educating future physicians. We suggest that the term "Fasciculus Opticus Cerebralis" should be used as it much better explains the origin as well as its affiliation to the central nervous system.