Anatomical characteristics and structural features of the optic nerve

The review presents literature data about the anatomical structure, morphology and structural features of the optic nerve (ON). Four ON regions are detailed: intraocular, intraorbital, intracanalicular and intracranial. Specifically, the features of the intraocular region are outlined. It is divided into three zones: the surface nerve fiber layer, the prelaminar part and the lamina cribrosa of the sclera, which differ in histological structure and blood supply. The data on the coats of the intraorbital part include the details of the hard (dura mater), arachnoid and the soft (pia mater) coats. Other data represent the morphological structures of the intracanalicular and the intracranial parts of the ON. The distinctive features of blood supply in different ON regions are discussed.The information about the anatomical characteristics and structural features of the ON is important for studying the pathogenesis of the optic nerve´s damage.