The optic chiasm is an example of
[ Select ]
synaptic relays
parallel processing
decussation
hierarchical processing
where two tracts from Cranial Nerve
[ Select ]
X cross over
IX diverge
II relay action potentials
I converge
X converge
II cross over
.

Question

The optic chiasm is an example of 
[ Select ]
synaptic relays
parallel processing
decussation
hierarchical processing
 where two tracts from Cranial Nerve 
[ Select ]
X cross over
IX diverge
II relay action potentials
I converge
X converge
II cross over
 .

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question presents two dropdowns to fill in, so we will analyze plausible choices for each in turn.

First dropdown (The optic chiasm is an example of ...):
- synaptic relays: This option is not accurate. The optic chiasm is not primarily described as a network of simple synaptic relays; rather, it is a anatomical site where axons from the eyes cross, enabling further processing of visual information. Calling it a synaptic relay oversimplifies its role.
- parallel processing: While the visual system does perform parallel processing at many stages, the optic chiasm specifically is a crossing point rather than a process that by itself implements parallel processing. So this choice captures a broader concept but not the defining feature of the chiasm.
- decussation: This is the correct match. Decussation means crossing over, and the optic chiasm is the major anatomical example where the optic nerve fibers cross from each eye to the opposite hemisphere, enabling contralateral representation of the visual field.
- hierarchical processing: This describes a general principle of information flow in many sensory systems but does not pinpoint the unique anatomical feature of the optic chiasm. It is not the best descriptor for the chiasm itself.

Second dropdown (The two tracts from Cranial Nerve [Select]):
- X cross over: This aligns with the known biology, where fibers from the optic nerves cross at the chiasm to the opposite side, forming the optic tracts. The Roman numeral notation here is shorthand for Cranial Nerve II, which is the optic nerve; these fibers do cross over, so this option is correct in context.
- IX diverge: Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) is not involved in the optic pathway, and diverge is not the characteristic feature under discussion. This is incorrect for the visual system context.
- II relay action potentials: While cranial nerve II is involved in conveying visual information, the phrase "relay action potentials" does not specify the crossing behavior. It is an overly generic description and does not capture the key crossing feature of the chiasm.
- I converge: Cranial nerve I (olfactory) not involved in vision; convergence is not a defining feature of the optic system at the chiasm, making this option irrelevant here.
- X converge: Cranial nerve X (vagus) has no role in the optic tract crossing; convergence is not a characteristic associated with the optic chiasm or II fibers, so this is incorrect.
- II cross over: This precisely identifies the optic nerve fibers crossing over at the optic chiasm. It matches the established anatomical fact that the fibers from the two eyes cross to the opposite hemisphere, establishing the contralateral visual field representation. This option is correct.

In summary, for the first blank, decussation is the appropriate term describing the crossing of pathways at the optic chiasm. For the second blank, II cross over correctly denotes that the optic nerve fibers cross over at the chiasm. The other options either describe processes or structures not specific to the optic chiasm or mischaracterize the involvement of the cranial nerves in this visual pathway.

Neurobiology Lab (Spri... Make-up Week 1 Progress Check

The optic chiasm is an example of [ Select ] synaptic relays parallel processing decussation hierarchical processing where two tracts from Cranial Nerve [ Select ] X cross over IX diverge II relay action potentials I converge X converge II cross over .

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