corpus callosum

American  

[kawr-puhs kuh-loh-suhm] / ˈkɔr pəs kəˈloʊ səm /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

corpora callosa

1. a great band of deeply situated transverse white fibers uniting the two halves of the cerebrum in humans and other mammals.

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corpus callosum British  

/ kəˈləʊsəm /

noun

1. the band of white fibres that connects the cerebral hemispheres in mammals

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corpus callosum Scientific  

/ kə-lō′səm /

plural

corpora callosa

1. The transverse band of nerve fibers that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

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Etymology

Origin of corpus callosum

1700–10; < New Latin: literally, firm body

Example Sentences

In the 1960s, Gazzaniga began conducting experiments in split-brain patients whose corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres, was absent.

From Salon • May 26, 2025

One patient whose corpus callosum, which connects the brain’s hemispheres, had been severed was asked whether he believed in God.

From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2022

A rare condition called Agenesis of the corpus callosum meant the part that connects the two hemispheres in the brain had failed to develop.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2019

You can see the patient’s M.R.I., with the stroke and corpus callosum highlighted, here.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2015

A continuous dialogue is going on between the two hemispheres, channeled through an immense bundle of nerves, the corpus callosum, the bridge between creativity and analysis, both of which are necessary to understand the world.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan