Final answer:
The split-brain operation involves severing the corpus callosum, which disconnects the communication pathway between the brain's hemispheres, often performed to control severe epilepsy despite resulting in distinct behavioral changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the split-brain operation, the corpus callosum is severed, which is the primary communication pathway between the two hemispheres of the brain. This surgical procedure is performed as a treatment for severe epilepsy, and while it helps control the spread of seizures, it leads to certain behavioral changes due to the disruption of communication between the left and right hemispheres.
For instance, split-brain patients might experience difficulties in naming an object shown in the left visual field, since the visual information gets processed in the right hemisphere, which does not have direct access to language centers commonly located in the left hemisphere. Interestingly, these patients may still be able to pick up the object with their left hand, controlled by the right hemisphere, demonstrating the unique functions and coordination of each brain hemisphere, albeit separately due to the severed corpus callosum.