Corpus: Optic canal

The optic canal is a 5 to 10 mm long, bony canal that connects the orbit with the middle cranial fossa (Fossa cranii media). It serves as a passageway for nerves and vessels.

The optic canal is located in the middle cranial fossa, at the base of the small sphenoidal wings (Alae minores ossis sphenoidalis). It forms the ends of the chiasmatic sulcus on both sides.

Passing structures[Bearbeiten]

The following structures pass through the optic canal:

• The optic nerve (2nd cranial nerve), which is part of the diencephalon
• The ophthalmic artery - it is the first important branch of the internal carotid artery and supplies the eye and surrounding structures with oxygen-rich blood.