Today’s TopicCorpus Callosum

Brain Metaphor

2 super computersHigh-speed connection

Brain Metaphor

The Corpus CallosumHigh-speed connection

Corpus Callosum

Left controls right side

Use both to control trunk

Sits under cortex

Sits under cortex

white: myelinated

250 million axons

truncus

Connects prefrontal cortexesLarger in musicians

Thin axons

Connects motor cortexes

Thick axons

Connects parietal lobesConnects occipital lobes

Starts at end of 1st trimester

Corpus Callosum

Fast growth until 4 years old

Mature in adolescence

Corpus Callosum

Fabric Identification Task

Fabric Identification Task

5 year olds can do it3 year olds can do it

Use 1 hand to identify 2 fabricsone rough, one smooth

Fabric Identification Task

Use 1 hand for roughUse other hand for smooth

Fabric Identification Task

3 year olds cannot

Use 1 hand for roughUse other hand for smooth

5 year olds can do it

Fabric Identification Task

3 year olds cannotCorpus callosum not fully developed

Hemispheric Interference Task

Hemispheric Interference Task

Pencil in each handDraw circle with one

Draw square with other

Hemispheric Interference Task

Pencil in each handDraw circle with one

Draw square with other

Hard to do!

Cut Corpus Callosum

Treatment for severe epilepsy

Cut Corpus Callosum

Split-Brain Person

Hemispheric Interference Task

Easy to do!

DRAWING TASK

Flash words

Toad to left visual field

Stool to right visual field

NO DAMAGE TO CC

Draw toadstool

CC DAMAGED

Draw toad & stool

CC DAMAGED

For some, symptoms improve

Corpus Callosum

Largest but not only connection

Dr. Ken Tangen

www.BiologicalPsych.com