Corpus Callosum

Definition

The corpus callosum is made of commisural fibres which connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

It facilitates communication between the two hemispheres.

It is the largest white matter structure in the brain, consisting of 200-250 million contralateral axonal projections.

It is a wide, flat bundle of axons beneath the cortex.

Much of the inter-hemispheric communication in the brain is conducted across the corpus callosum.

Structure and functions

The posterior portion of the corpus callosum is called the splenium; the anterior is called the genu (or "knee"); between the two is the truncus, the 'body' of the corpus callosum. The rostrum is the portion of the corpus callosum that projects posteriorly following from the anteriormost genu.

The function is to connect the left and right side of brain (hemisphere)

Applied Anatomy

Corpus collosotomy : an operation for controlling epilepsy

Patients typically experience a marked reduction in number and severity of seizures, with a small percentage of people becoming seizure free.

Drop attacks may be eliminated completely in approximately 70% of patients. Other types of seizure are also reduced by 50% or more from corpus callosotomy surgery.