transcallosal

Transcallosal refers to something that passes through or is located across the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is a large C-shaped bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain. It is the largest white matter structure in the brain and plays a crucial role in interhemispheric communication.

In neuroanatomy and neurosurgery, the term transcallosal is often used to describe surgical approaches or anatomical pathways. For instance, a transcallosal approach is a surgical technique used to access deep brain structures by passing through the corpus callosum. This method allows surgeons to reach certain tumors, lesions, or targets within the brain that are otherwise difficult to access.

The term can also be used to describe structures or fibers that originate in one hemisphere, cross the midline via the corpus callosum, and terminate in the other hemisphere. These are known as transcallosal fibers. Understanding these pathways is essential for comprehending how information is processed and integrated across the brain. Injuries or disruptions to transcallosal pathways can lead to various neurological deficits, including difficulties with motor control, sensory perception, and cognitive functions that require coordination between the hemispheres.