The optic nerve transmits information to the visual cortex in the brain via the:

The optic nerve transmits information from the retina to the visual cortex in the brain primarily through the thalamus, specifically the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus. Once visual information is received from the optic nerve, it first stops at the thalamus, which acts as a relay station and processes the incoming visual signals before sending them on to the primary visual cortex located in the occipital lobe.

The thalamus plays a crucial role in filtering and organizing sensory information, allowing the brain to prioritize and interpret the visual stimuli it receives. From the lateral geniculate nucleus, the signals are then directed to the visual cortex where they are integrated and interpreted, allowing us to perceive what we see.

The other structures mentioned, such as the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, and hippocampus, serve different functions within the brain. The basal ganglia are primarily involved in movement and coordination, the hypothalamus regulates homeostatic functions and controls the endocrine system, and the hippocampus is essential for memory formation. These areas do not play a direct role in the transmission of visual information from the optic nerve to the visual cortex.