The central pathways of optic fibres in Xenopus tadpoles

Abstract

A cobalt chloride impregnation technique was applied to the optic nerve in Xenopus tadpoles and the central optic pathways were examined in cleared, whole-mounted preparations, and in thick sections. The overall plan of the optic input was visualized in relation to the outlines of the parts of the brain and details of the structure of the tectal optic neuropil, the neuropil of Bellonci and the basal optic neuropil were seen. The fibres in the main retinotectal tract maintained an orderly disposition with respect to each other, in contrast to the fibres of the basal optic tract, in which no order was apparent. Optic fibres were seen passing caudally from the region of the basal optic neuropil.