Anterior commissure

Anterior Commissure is a small bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. It is an important part of the brain's white matter, and plays a crucial role in the communication between the two hemispheres.

Anatomy

The anterior commissure is located near the front of the brain, just above the hypothalamus. It is approximately 5 mm in diameter and is shaped like a narrow band. It connects the two hemispheres of the brain by passing through the lamina terminalis, a thin membrane located at the front of the third ventricle.

The anterior commissure is composed of axons, which are long, slender projections of nerve cells, or neurons, that transmit signals from one neuron to another. These axons are coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which helps to speed up the transmission of signals.

Function

The primary function of the anterior commissure is to facilitate communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. It does this by transmitting signals from neurons in one hemisphere to neurons in the other. This allows the two hemispheres to work together and coordinate their activities.

In addition to its role in interhemispheric communication, the anterior commissure also plays a role in several other functions. For example, it is involved in the perception of pain and temperature, and it also plays a role in sexual behavior.

Clinical significance

Damage to the anterior commissure can have serious consequences. For example, it can lead to a condition known as split-brain syndrome, in which the two hemispheres of the brain are unable to communicate effectively. This can result in a range of symptoms, including difficulties with coordination, perception, and cognition.

In addition, the anterior commissure is often affected in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that the size of the anterior commissure is significantly reduced in these individuals, which may contribute to the cognitive deficits associated with this disease.

See also

• Corpus callosum
• Brain
• Neuroanatomy

References

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Anterior_commissure

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  Diagram of the human brain showing the anterior commissure

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  Anterior commissure in a dissected brain

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  Diffusion tensor imaging of the anterior commissure

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