Anatomy of corpus callosum and lateral ventricle: a fiber dissection study.

OBJECTIVE

This fiber dissection study aimed to explore the anatomy of the fibers of corpus callosum. In addition, the authors sought to explore the interior of the lateral ventricle by opening the window created by incisions made on ventral callosal radiations and transverse callosal fibers.

METHODS

Blunt fiber dissection of eight formalin fixed normal adult human cadaveric brains was performed. The primary dissection tools were blunt wooden spatulas. Specimens were photographed at progressive steps of dissection.

RESULTS

The course of fibers of the corpus callosum and their relationships with the lateral ventricle were demonstrated. Incisions were made on the callosal fibers to create a window to access the lateral ventricle and its interior was studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Corpus callosum is an elaborate structure composed of fibers originating from (and terminating in) virtually every region of the cerebral cortex. Fibers of the corpus callosum contribute to the composition of walls of the lateral ventricle and fiber dissection is an excellent method to demonstrate this anatomy. A detailed understanding of anatomy of corpus callosum and the lateral ventricles is essential for neurosurgeons for performing surgery of intraventricular tumors as well as disconnective epilepsy surgery procedures. Three-dimensional understanding of this anatomy can be developed by performing fiber dissections.