KO‘RISH TIZIMINING ANATOMIK YO‘LI

Abstract

The visual pathway is a complex anatomical and functional system that converts light stimuli into neural signals and delivers them to the cerebral cortex for visual perception. The pathway begins in the retina, where photoreceptors (rods and cones) perform phototransduction and transmit signals through bipolar and ganglion cells. Axons of ganglion cells form the optic nerve, which passes toward the optic chiasm, where partial decussation of nasal retinal fibers ensures binocular vision and depth perception. Beyond the chiasm, fibers continue as the optic tracts projecting to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus, the primary relay station for visual information. From the LGN, the visual signals travel via optic radiations to the primary visual cortex (Brodmann area 17), where initial cortical processing of images occurs. Collateral pathways also reach the pretectal nuclei, superior colliculi, and hypothalamus, mediating pupillary reflexes, circadian rhythms, and eye movement coordination. The blood supply of the visual system is mainly provided by branches of the ophthalmic artery, while innervation involves parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatic components for pupillary control, accommodation, and extraocular muscle activity. Structural damage at any level of the visual pathway—retinal detachment, optic nerve atrophy, chiasmal compression, or lesions of the optic tract and radiations—leads to characteristic visual field defects. This annotation presents an integrated overview of the macro- and microanatomy, neurovascular supply, and functional organization of the visual system, serving as a concise reference for medical students and clinicians.