In the context of the organization of the brain, what is the primary function of the corpus callosum?

• A. It controls voluntary muscle movements throughout the body.
• B. It regulates basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.
• C. It is responsible for processing visual information from the eyes.
• D. It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the brain is divided into two cerebral hemispheres: the left and the right.
2. Recognize that for the two hemispheres to work together effectively, they need a communication pathway.
3. Identify the corpus callosum as the large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres.
4. Know that the primary function of the corpus callosum is to facilitate communication and coordination between the two hemispheres by transmitting neural signals.
5. Differentiate this function from other brain functions such as controlling voluntary movements (motor cortex), regulating basic life functions (brainstem), and processing visual information (occipital lobe).