The optic nerve represents the connection between the receptor cells of the [[Eye - Anatomy & Physiology#The Wall (retina, uvea and sclera)|retina]] and the [[Forebrain - Anatomy & Physiology|forebrain]]. The optic nerve is a sensory nerve and is composed of '''Special Somatic Afferent fibres'''. The optic nerve passes through the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Sphenoid Bone (os_sphenoidale)|'''optic chiasm''']] which is an area of the ventral brain where both optic nerves run in a medial direction and eventually decussate. The optic nerve runs through the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Sphenoid Bone (os_sphenoidale)|'''optic canal''']].