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Corpus Callosum

Published: Jul 16, 2023
  /  
Updated: Jul 22, 2023

Written by Oseh Mathias

Founder, SpeechFit

The corpus callosum is the largest white matter structure in the brain, consisting of approximately 200 million axons that connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres. It serves as the primary commissural pathway, allowing for communication and coordination between the hemispheres[1].

image within the content - in line image
Corpus Callosum shown in green. Bailey, R. (2020).[2]

Anatomically, the corpus callosum is divided into four main regions: the rostrum, genu, body, and splenium. Each of these regions facilitates interhemispheric communication between corresponding areas of the cerebral cortex[3].

  1. Rostrum: The most anterior part, curving forward and downward towards the frontal lobes[3].

  2. Genu: The anterior bend of the corpus callosum, connecting the frontal lobes of the two hemispheres[3].

  3. Body (or trunk): The central portion of the corpus callosum, linking the parietal lobes and superior regions of the temporal lobes[3].

  4. Splenium: The posterior part, which is the thickest and rounded, and connects the occipital lobes and inferiors regions of the temporal lobes[3].

image within the content - in line image
Anatomy of the Corpus Callosum. iMedScholar. (n.d.).[4]

Functionally, the corpus callosum plays a critical role in integrating sensory, motor, and cognitive information between the hemispheres. This integration is crucial for a wide range of processes, from simple tasks such as maintaining the body's balance to complex cognitive tasks such as language, problem-solving, and memory[5].

Neuroimaging studies, as well as studies on patients with callosal damage (including those who've undergone a surgical severing of the corpus callosum, or callosotomy, often performed to treat severe epilepsy), have provided key insights into callosal function. For example, so-called 'split-brain' patients have allowed researchers to explore the lateralization of cognitive functions in the brain and to understand the role of the corpus callosum in binding these functions into a unified conscious experience[6].

Corpus callosum abnormalities, including agenesis (where the corpus callosum doesn't form during development), partial formation, or malformations, can lead to a variety of cognitive and physical impairments, although the extent can vary widely depending on the specific nature of the abnormality and potential compensatory mechanisms[7].

Author

Oseh Mathias

SpeechFit Founder

Oseh is passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes for neurodiverse people and healthcare providers alike.

References

  • Aboitiz F, Scheibel AB, Fisher RS, Zaidel E. "Fiber composition of the human corpus callosum." Brain Research. 1992;598(1-2):143-53.

  • Bailey, R. (2020). Corpus callosum and brain function [Image]. In ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/corpus-callosum-anatomy-373219

  • Zarei M, Johansen-Berg H, Smith S, et al. "Functional anatomy of interhemispheric cortical connections via the corpus callosum in humans." Brain Structure and Function. 2006;211(3-4):231-45.

  • iMedScholar. (n.d.). Corpus callosum. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://imedscholar.com/open-blog/corpus-callosum/

  • Gazzaniga MS. "Cerebral specialization and interhemispheric communication: does the corpus callosum enable the human condition?." Brain. 2000;123 (Pt 7):1293-326.

  • Sperry RW. "Hemisphere deconnection and unity in conscious awareness." American Psychologist. 1968;23(10):723-33.

  • Paul LK. "Developmental malformation of the corpus callosum: a review of typical callosal development and examples of developmental disorders with callosal involvement." Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 2011;3(1):3-27.