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Splenium of corpus callosum

The splenium of the corpus callosum is the thickened, posterior (rear) part of the corpus callosum, which is the largest white matter structure in the human brain. It forms the major commissural connection between the two cerebral hemispheres, specifically linking the occipital lobes and posterior temporal regions. The splenium plays a crucial role in the transfer of visual, auditory, and some somatosensory information across hemispheres, facilitating complex cognitive and perceptual processes. It is a key landmark in neuroimaging and is frequently evaluated in various neurological and radiological contexts.

Synonyms

  • Posterior part of corpus callosum

  • Splenium corporis callosi

  • Posterior callosal commissure (less commonly used)

Function

  • Provides interhemispheric communication, especially for visual and auditory information.

  • Integrates sensory and perceptual data between the two cerebral hemispheres.

  • Important for spatial orientation, language, and reading comprehension (visual and written language integration).

  • Involved in higher cognitive functions, including memory and attention.

Arterial Supply

  • Primarily supplied by the posterior pericallosal artery, a branch of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA).

  • May receive additional small branches from the anterior pericallosal artery (from the anterior cerebral artery).

  • Rich collateral blood supply, contributing to relative protection from ischemia.

Venous Drainage

  • Drains mainly into the internal cerebral veins.

  • Additional drainage may occur via the vein of Galen and other deep cerebral venous structures.

  • T1-weighted images:
    The splenium appears as a homogeneous, hyperintense (bright) band relative to gray matter and is well-delineated from the surrounding structures.

  • T2-weighted images:
    The splenium is hypointense (dark) relative to gray matter and less bright than cerebrospinal fluid. It is still well outlined against adjacent brain tissues.

  • FLAIR images:
    The splenium is isointense relative to gray matter. FLAIR is particularly useful for highlighting lesions or pathological changes in the splenium.

  • Post-contrast T1:
    The splenium does not enhance after contrast administration under normal conditions. Enhancement suggests pathological processes such as inflammation, demyelination, or neoplasia.

CT Appearance

  • Non-contrast CT:
    The splenium appears isodense to slightly hypodense compared to other white matter structures. It is difficult to distinguish from the rest of the corpus callosum without pathology.

  • Contrast CT:
    No enhancement in the normal splenium; any abnormal enhancement should raise suspicion for pathology.

MRI images

Splenium of corpus callosum mri 3t coronal image

MRI images

Splenium of corpus callosum mri 3t sagittal image