Optic chiasm

The optic chiasm (from the Greek ??????? 'to mark with an X', after the letter '?' chi) is the part of the brain where the optic nerves partially cross, those parts of the right eye which see things on the right side being connected to the left side of the brain, and vice versa.

Related Topics:
Brain - Optic nerve - Eye

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In Siamese cats with certain genotypes of the albino gene, this wiring is disrupted, with less of the nerve crossing than is normal. To compensate for lack of crossing in their brains, they cross their eyes. This is also seen in albino tigers.

Related Topics:
Siamese cat - Genotype - Albino - Tiger

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