noun
- A crossing or intersection of two structures, especially nerve fibers or chromosomes.
- The point where the two optic nerves cross at the base of the brain.
- The point of contact between paired chromosomes during meiosis where genetic material is exchanged.
Usage: anatomy, biology
Usage: anatomy, specifically referring to the optic chiasma
Usage: genetics, biology
Examples
- The optic chiasma is located beneath the hypothalamus in the brain.
- Damage to the chiasma can result in vision problems affecting both eyes.
- During meiosis, chiasmata form where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic information.
- The chiasma is a crucial structure for processing visual information from both eyes.
- Genetic recombination occurs at the chiasma during cell division.
- The X-shaped structure of the chiasma is visible under a microscope during certain stages of meiosis.