Background/Aim. The optic nerve is anatomically observed in four segments:
intrabulbar, orbital, canalicular, and cranial. According to the literature,
the surface of the transversal cut of the nerve is different through it. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the fascicular organisation of the optic
nerve, throughout its three segments from the eye. Methods. Five pairs of
optic nerves, obtained from the autopsies were examined. Using Heidenhain's
(azan) staining, the cuts were prepared for microscopy. Morphometric analysis
was performed using the stereological methods for morphometric cytology - the
Weible?s testing system M42. The following measures were established: the
surface of the transverse cut of the nerve, the entire surface of fasciculi,
the entire surface of connective tissue and blood vessels, the number of
fasciculi, the surface of a single fasciculus. Results. The surface of the
transverse cut of the nerve was found to grow from the orbital to the cranial
segment, as well as the entire surface of fasciculi. While their number is
significantly lower in the cranial segment, the number of fasciculi varied
slightly between the orbital and the canalicular segment. The surface of a
single fasciculus grows from the bulb to the chiasma. There is probable a
cause to believe that this may be due to fusion of the ?small? fasciculi in
the orbitocranial direction. Conclusion. There are significant differences
among the examined parameters of the different parts of the optic nerve.