Median section of the brain
The term [corpus callosum] is Latin. The word [corpus] means "body", while the term [callosum] derives from [callosus] meaning "callous" or a structure with a hard consistency.
The corpus callosum is the largest of the nine interhemispheric commisures of the brain. It is formed by white matter consisting of axons that communicate both cerebral hemispheres. The corpus callosum is formed by several components:
• Rostrum: an anteroinferior region that resembles a bird's beak
• Genu: Latin for "knee", the genu is formed mostly by interfrontal fibers. These fibers form the anterior fornix
• Isthmus:also known as the "body" or "trunk", it is the main portion of the corpus callosum, allowing for interparietal and intertemporal communication
• Splenium: Latin for "bandage" the splenium allows for interhemispheric communication between the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. The fibers of the splenium form the posterior fornix
The image shown is a median section of the brain. Click on the image for a larger depiction. For a superior view of the corpus callosum click here.
Sources:
1 "Tratado de Anatomia Humana" Testut et Latarjet 8 Ed. 1931 Salvat Editores, Spain
2. "Anatomy of the Human Body" Henry Gray 1918. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger
Image modified by CAA, Inc, Original image courtesy of bartleby.com