Corpus Callosum Function
The article will provide you with the details of corpus callosum function and location in order to give you a rough idea about how the human brain works. Continue reading, to know some interesting facts about the human brain, with special reference to corpus callosum.
Our limited knowledge about the human brain can be attributed to its complex nature to a large extent. Basically, the brain is divided into two halves, aka hemispheres, - the right brain and the left brain. Each of these hemispheres of the brain are assigned particular tasks related to various human body functions. The right brain characteristics differ from the left brain characteristics to a significant extent. While the former is mainly associated with a random, holistic or intuitive approach, the later is associated with analytical, logical or rational approach. Basically, the right brain is concerned with the left side of the body, while the left brain is with the right side of our body. That being said there has to be some link between these two hemispheres of the brain, and corpus callosum acts as this link which facilitates communication between the two. Before we move on to see what is the corpus callosum function in the brain, let's have a brief look at this nerve tract and its location.
What is the Corpus Callosum?
In human anatomy, corpus callosum is a wide, flat bundle of nerve fibers located at the longitudinal fissure beneath the cortex. The term 'corpus callosum' means tough body in Latin. With approximately 200-250 million contralateral axonal projections to its credit, corpus callosum is the largest among the various white matter structures in the central nervous system. The anterior portion of this structure is referred to as the 'genu', while the posterior structure is referred to as 'splenium'. In between the anterior and posterior portions of corpus callosum lies the body of the structure which is referred to as the 'truncus'. Studies have revealed that the anterior portion of the corpus callosum in left-handed people is 11 percent larger as compared to their right-handed counterparts. A look at the vertical section of the brain shown in the diagram of the brain and its functions given below will help you locate the corpus callosum.
Corpus Callosum Function in the Brain
Undoubtedly the most important function of corpus callosum is to facilitate the process of interhemispheric communication. Researchers believe that this structure of neural tissues in the eutherian brain is involved in a wide range of normal interhemispheric functions. While the functions of the right hemisphere differ from that of the left hemisphere, there has to be some connection between the two haves of the brain in order to facilitate proper functioning of the nervous system as a whole. This is where the corpus callosum comes into the picture, as it facilitates this connection by acting as a bridge between the two hemispheres, and transmitting information from one hemisphere to the other. It also works in allocation of tasks to either hemispheres of the brain on the basis on their programming. As far as corpus callosum function in children is concerned, it is believed to play a significant role in lateralization of the brain right from the period of infancy. Studies also reveal that corpus callosum is actively involved in the movement of eyes. Information about eye muscles and the retinas is collected by this structure, and sent to the respective areas of the brain where it i processed. While this information is being processed by the two hemispheres, the corpus callosum ensures that the flow of information between the two is fast and accurate.
After going through these corpus callosum functions one can realize the importance of this component of the human brain. That being said, any damage caused to this part can result in severe implications to the bodily function. If the region wherein corpus callosum connects to the right brain is damaged, various right brain functions tend to be affected. Similarly, if the region where it connects to left brain is damaged, various left brain functions are hampered. The fact that corpus callosum is located right between both the hemispheres makes it less vulnerable to the damage. This, however, doesn't mean that the chances of damage to corpus callosum are zero.
What is the Corpus Callosum?
In human anatomy, corpus callosum is a wide, flat bundle of nerve fibers located at the longitudinal fissure beneath the cortex. The term 'corpus callosum' means tough body in Latin. With approximately 200-250 million contralateral axonal projections to its credit, corpus callosum is the largest among the various white matter structures in the central nervous system. The anterior portion of this structure is referred to as the 'genu', while the posterior structure is referred to as 'splenium'. In between the anterior and posterior portions of corpus callosum lies the body of the structure which is referred to as the 'truncus'. Studies have revealed that the anterior portion of the corpus callosum in left-handed people is 11 percent larger as compared to their right-handed counterparts. A look at the vertical section of the brain shown in the diagram of the brain and its functions given below will help you locate the corpus callosum.
Corpus Callosum Function in the Brain
Undoubtedly the most important function of corpus callosum is to facilitate the process of interhemispheric communication. Researchers believe that this structure of neural tissues in the eutherian brain is involved in a wide range of normal interhemispheric functions. While the functions of the right hemisphere differ from that of the left hemisphere, there has to be some connection between the two haves of the brain in order to facilitate proper functioning of the nervous system as a whole. This is where the corpus callosum comes into the picture, as it facilitates this connection by acting as a bridge between the two hemispheres, and transmitting information from one hemisphere to the other. It also works in allocation of tasks to either hemispheres of the brain on the basis on their programming. As far as corpus callosum function in children is concerned, it is believed to play a significant role in lateralization of the brain right from the period of infancy. Studies also reveal that corpus callosum is actively involved in the movement of eyes. Information about eye muscles and the retinas is collected by this structure, and sent to the respective areas of the brain where it i processed. While this information is being processed by the two hemispheres, the corpus callosum ensures that the flow of information between the two is fast and accurate.
After going through these corpus callosum functions one can realize the importance of this component of the human brain. That being said, any damage caused to this part can result in severe implications to the bodily function. If the region wherein corpus callosum connects to the right brain is damaged, various right brain functions tend to be affected. Similarly, if the region where it connects to left brain is damaged, various left brain functions are hampered. The fact that corpus callosum is located right between both the hemispheres makes it less vulnerable to the damage. This, however, doesn't mean that the chances of damage to corpus callosum are zero.
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