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PIXBRAIN HOME _ _ MOD 11 HOME _ _ previous _ _ FIGURE 11-2_ _ next _ _ I WANT TO

The reason to look at this view now is to be reminded of the intimate relationship between the optic chiasm and the Circle of Willis. Perhaps the most important relationship is the one between the internal carotid artery and the lateral edge of the chiasm, but note also that the anterior cerebral arteries run medially just above the "incoming" optic nerves. You can imagine a variety of visual fields deficits that could result if these vessels were to press on the chiasm. The infundibulum of the pituitary should remind you that the pituitary is lurking just underneath the chiasm and also capable of causing trouble.