Myelination of the optic nerve begins in which portion?

Prepare for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Myelination of the optic nerve begins in which portion?

Explanation:
Myelination of the optic nerve fibers is done by oligodendrocytes, since the nerve is a CNS tract. The retinal nerve fibers are unmyelinated as they pass through the retina and reach the lamina cribrosa at the optic nerve head. Once they pass this boundary into the optic nerve proper, myelin begins to form, starting in the intraorbital portion of the nerve. So the earliest region with myelin is the intraorbital segment, not the intraocular portion where fibers remain unmyelinated within the retina. The intracanalicular and intracranial portions are also myelinated as the nerve continues within the CNS.

Myelination of the optic nerve fibers is done by oligodendrocytes, since the nerve is a CNS tract. The retinal nerve fibers are unmyelinated as they pass through the retina and reach the lamina cribrosa at the optic nerve head. Once they pass this boundary into the optic nerve proper, myelin begins to form, starting in the intraorbital portion of the nerve. So the earliest region with myelin is the intraorbital segment, not the intraocular portion where fibers remain unmyelinated within the retina. The intracanalicular and intracranial portions are also myelinated as the nerve continues within the CNS.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy