chiasma Definition
- 1an intersection or crossing of two things, especially nerves, blood vessels, or fibers
- 2a crossing or decussation of two tracts of nerve fibers in the brain
- 3the point of contact between paired chromatids during meiosis, resulting in a cross-shaped configuration and representing the cytological manifestation of crossing over
Using chiasma: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chiasma" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The optic chiasma is the point where the optic nerves cross each other.
Example
The chiasma of the chromosomes is an important event in meiosis.
Example
The chiasma of the nerves in the spinal cord is responsible for the contralateral control of the body.
chiasma Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for chiasma
Phrases with chiasma
Example
The optic chiasma is responsible for the partial crossover of visual information from both eyes.
a rare neurological disorder characterized by the presence of a pituitary tumor that compresses the optic chiasma, leading to visual field defects
Example
Chiasma syndrome can cause vision loss and headaches.
the process of crossing over of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis
Example
Chiasma formation is essential for genetic diversity and variation.
Origins of chiasma
from Greek 'khiasma', meaning 'crosspiece'
Summary: chiasma in Brief
A 'chiasma' [kahy-az-muh] refers to the intersection or crossing of two things, such as nerves, blood vessels, or fibers. It can also refer to the crossing of two tracts of nerve fibers in the brain or the point of contact between paired chromatids during meiosis. Examples include the optic chiasma, which partially crosses visual information from both eyes, and chiasma formation, which is essential for genetic diversity.
