[Arterial microcirculation in the optic chiasm, optic tracts and lateral geniculate bodies].

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to point out the microscopic vessels in the optic chiasm, optic tracts and lateral geniculate bodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 20 brains, fixed in formaldehyde 10% and dissected under the surgical microscope. The material was summated to histological techniques on paraffin and performed on routine coloration. RESULTS: The lateral borders of the optic chiasm have more perforant branches as the median zone. The anterior and posterior segments of the optic tracts are rich in capillary vessels. The arteriolar branches penetrate into the lateral geniculate body on his inferior surface and borders. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of the arteriolar distribution in this segments of the optic pathways can explain the visual defects in some neuroophthalmologic syndromes.