What is the cranial exit for the optic nerve (CN II)?

The optic nerve (CN II) exits the skull through the optic canal. This canal is a passage that allows the optic nerve to extend from the orbit to the brain. The optic nerve is primarily responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, and its pathway through the optic canal is essential for this function.

The optic canal is located in the sphenoid bone, allowing the nerve to properly connect to the structures it serves within the visual pathway. Understanding this specific route is vital in clinical settings, particularly when assessing conditions related to vision, as disturbance in the optic nerve can indicate underlying pathology at the site of its exit or along its pathway.