NETTER - Neuroscience Flash Cards

Color Imaging of the Corpus Callosum
by Diffusion Tensor Imaging
1. Lateral fibers of the corpus callosum
2. Genu of the corpus callosum
3. Cortical association fibers
4. Splenium of the corpus callosum
5. Forceps minor
6. Genu of the corpus callosum
7. Body of the corpus callosum
8. Lateral fibers of the corpus callosum
9. Splenium of the corpus callosum
10. Forceps major
Comment: The corpus callosum connects similar regions of the
two cerebral hemispheres with each other. These connections permit
each hemisphere to be aware of stimuli or activities related to both
sides of the body. Without such connections, a visual stimulus from
the left visual field, interpreted by the right hemisphere, would not be
noted by the left hemisphere; the left hemisphere would be unable
to verbally describe the stimulus, nor would the left hemisphere be
able to direct the right side of the body to react to the stimulus.
On occasion, significant damage to the corpus callosum occurs, or
congenital agenesis occurs, separating the two hemispheres (split
brain). The corpus callosum (and other commissures) are sometimes
surgically severed for seizure disorders to prevent the spread of the
seizure to the mirror image region of the opposite hemisphere.
Overview of the Nervous System
See book 3.16, A and C only