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AnatomyHead and neckOrbit and contentsOptic canal
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AnatomyHead and neckOrbit and contentsOptic canal

Optic canal

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 06, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Bones of the orbit [18:29]
Bones and bony structures of the orbit.
Optic canal
Canalis opticus
1/6
Synonyms: Optic foramen, Canalis fasciculi optici , show more...

The optic canal is a round opening located in the posteromedial part of the orbit, within the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, when viewing the orbit from an anterior perspective. It lies just medial to the larger superior orbital fissure, and serves as a conduit connecting the orbit to the middle cranial fossa.

This canal transmits two main structures: optic nerve (CN II) and ophthalmic artery. The optic nerve (CN II) carries visual information from the retina to the brain for processing  while the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery, enters the orbit to supply all its structures.

The optic canal, along with the superior orbital fissure form the apex of the pyramidal-shaped orbit. This area is encircled by a fibrous cuff known as the common tendinous ring which serves as the origin for the four recti extraocular muscles. 

Terminology English: Optic canal
Synonym: Optic foramen

Latin: Canalis opticus
Synonyms: Canalis fasciculi optici, Foramen opticum
Definition Opening in the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone that connects the
orbit to the middle cranial fossa
Function Transmits the optic nerve (CN II) and ophthalmic artery

Learn more about the optic canal and the anatomy of the orbit in the following study unit:

Bones of the orbit Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. & Gray, H. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone

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