the visual pathways
The visual projections from the retinae to the occipital cortices.
Projections: 4 Key Rules
- The LEFT visual field projects to the RIGHT occipital cortex.
- The RIGHT visual field projects to the LEFT occipital cortex.
- The SUPERIOR visual field projects to the INFERIOR visual cortex.
- The INFERIOR visual field projects to the SUPERIOR visual cortex.
Visual Projection Anatomy
- The visual fields represent the individual's view of the world.
- The fovea is the center point of each eye: it is the area of maximal visual acuity. It lies in the center of the macula.
We remember this by recognizing the common clinical syndrome of macular degeneration, which causes central vision loss.
- The retina subdivides into nasal and temporal hemiretinae.
- The left visual field projects to the right temporal hemiretina and the left nasal hemiretina.
- The right visual field projects to the left temporal hemiretina and the right nasal hemiretina.
The optic projection: Key Structures