Corpus Callosum

What is the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum is a structure in the middle of your brain that connects the right and left hemispheres (sides). The structure is made up of nerve fibers. Nerve fibers help the left and right sides of your brain talk to each other by sending signals. This communication pathway allows you to coordinate many essential functions that are part of your daily routine.

What is the main function of the corpus callosum?

The purpose of the corpus callosum is to connect the left and right hemispheres of your brain so they can communicate.

Your corpus callosum functions as a bridge. It allows nerve signals to move between the two sides of your brain. Nerve signals are like people crossing the bridge. Each person carries a message to a different location in your brain. These messages help you coordinate your:

• Senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell).
• Movement (telling your muscles to move).
• Cognitive function (memory, language processing, problem-solving and reasoning).

Where is the corpus callosum located?

The corpus callosum sits deep within the middle of your brain. It’s between the two hemispheres. This spot is called the longitudinal fissure.

What are the parts of the corpus callosum?

There are four parts of the corpus callosum:

• Rostrum: This is the front-most part that connects to the space behind your eyes (orbital regions of your frontal lobe).
• Genu: Sitting behind the rostrum, the genu connects the left and right frontal lobes.
• Body: This is the largest part, located in the middle of the structure. It connects to the left and right sides of your cerebral cortex (outer layer of your brain) in the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes.
• Splenium: This is the back that connects to the occipital lobes.

What is the corpus callosum made of?

The corpus callosum is made up of nerve fibers — more than 200 million axons (a type of myelinated nerve fiber that sends messages outward). These nerve fibers are known as white matter. The corpus callosum is one of the largest white matter structures in your central nervous system.

What does the corpus callosum look like?

The corpus callosum is about 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) long. It makes an arch or a “C” shape that faces downward (toward your torso) between the two sides of your brain with the fibers passing through it.

What are common conditions that affect the corpus callosum?

Corpus callosum dysfunction means that one side of your brain can’t communicate well with the other.

Dysfunction can happen with the following:

• Epilepsy.
• Stroke.
• Infections.
• Tumors.
• Genetic conditions (like Aicardi syndrome and trisomy 18).
• Surgery.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a congenital (present at birth) condition that happens when the corpus callosum doesn’t develop as expected. A child may have complete agenesis (severed or split hemispheres without a connection) or partial agenesis (some parts of the corpus callosum developed but not all of them). Research suggests a genetic change could cause underdevelopment of this part of your brain.

In addition, as you naturally get older, the speed of messages sent from one side of your brain to the other slows down. Your mind and body may not be able to respond or move as quickly as they used to due to how aging affects your brain.

What are common signs or symptoms of corpus callosum conditions?

If the left and right sides of your brain have trouble communicating with each other, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Developmental delays.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty with vision, hearing and speech.
• Intellectual disability.
• Movement and coordination challenges.

Your symptoms can vary based on how much damage is on your corpus callosum. The location matters, too. For example, damage to your corpus callosum may make the following tasks more difficult:

• Threading a needle.
• Catching a baseball.
• Riding a bicycle.
• Following instructions with a lot of steps.
• Solving a puzzle.
• Playing an instrument.

What tests check the health of my corpus callosum?

A healthcare provider may order imaging tests to learn more about the health of your corpus callosum, like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests allow your provider to look at your brain in more detail to see if you have damage or are missing a part of this brain structure.

What are common treatments for corpus callosum conditions?

Treatment can help you manage symptoms related to corpus callosum dysfunction, including:

• Medications (like antiseizure medications).
• Special education programs at school.
• Occupational therapy.
• Physical therapy.
• Speech therapy.
• Visual therapy.

These treatment options vary based on what symptoms you experience and what causes them. A healthcare provider will give you the most accurate information on what you can expect and what treatment options are available based on your situation.

How do I keep my corpus callosum healthy?

Your corpus callosum plays an important role in how your brain functions. You can take steps to keep it healthy by taking care of your entire body, like:

• Completing puzzles, reading books or learning new skills.
• Participating in physical activities or following an exercise routine.
• Eating balanced, nutritious meals.
• Following good hygiene to prevent infections.

Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to keep your mind and body healthy. They may have specific suggestions catered to you and your lifestyle.