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Home › Body Atlas › Sense Organs › Optic Cup
Sense Organ Head & Skull

Optic Cup

excavatio disci

The optic cup is the pale central depression within the optic disc, where there are no nerve fibres. The ratio of cup to disc size is a key measure in eye examinations.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

LocationCentre of the optic disc at the back of the eye
Parts
  • Central depression
  • Neuroretinal rim around it
  • Lamina cribrosa at its base
Nerve SupplyOptic nerve
Blood SupplyCentral retinal artery and vein; Short posterior ciliary arteries
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Normal anatomical feature where nerve fibres turn to exit the eye.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

A cup-to-disc ratio above about 0.6, a difference between eyes, or a notch in the rim raises suspicion of glaucoma. Imaging tracks changes in the cup over time.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Glaucomatous Cupping

Enlargement of the cup as nerve fibres are lost in glaucoma.

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