The corpus callosum: Some anatomical and functional considerations with special reference to language

Recent studies on the anatomy and development of the corpus callosum (CC) are reviewed, and discussed in relation to present theories of the function of the CC. The contributions of various pathological conditions of the CC, as well as that of the split-brain studies, to the understanding of the functions of the CC are considered. The recent theory that the language dominant hemisphere exerts inhibitory influences over the nondominant hemisphere via the CC did not receive much support, and an alternative theory implicating the CC in the establishment of lateralization of language is presented. Direct evidence for this view is as yet not available, but it receives some support from cases of agenesis of the CC.