Splenial

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Splenial

The term splenial refers to anything related to the splenium of the corpus callosum, a structure in the brain that connects the two cerebral hemispheres. The splenium is the posterior (rear) part of the corpus callosum and plays a crucial role in the communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Anatomy

The corpus callosum is a wide, flat bundle of neural fibers beneath the cortex in the brain. It is the largest white matter structure in the brain, consisting of 200-250 million contralateral axonal projections. The splenium is the thickest part of the corpus callosum and is located at its posterior end. It primarily connects the occipital lobes of the brain, which are responsible for visual processing.

Function

The splenium facilitates the transfer of visual, auditory, and somatosensory information between the two hemispheres. This interhemispheric communication is essential for the integration of sensory information and for coordinated motor function. Damage to the splenium can result in a variety of neurological deficits, including alexia without agraphia, a condition where a person can write but cannot read.

Clinical Significance

Lesions or abnormalities in the splenium can be associated with several medical conditions. These include multiple sclerosis, Marchiafava-Bignami disease, and traumatic brain injury. Imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scan are often used to diagnose issues related to the splenium.

Related Structures

• Corpus callosum
• Cerebral hemispheres
• Occipital lobe
• Cortex

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Brain
• White matter