Final answer:
The corpus callosum is the bridge of neurons connecting the two cerebral hemispheres of the cortex, essential for interhemispheric communication. It comprises approximately 200 million axons and is crucial for integrating various brain functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bridge of neurons that connects the two hemispheres of the cortex is called the corpus callosum. This structure is a thick bundle of axons that allows for communication between the left and right cerebral hemispheres, ensuring that information processed on one side of the brain can be shared with the other side. The corpus callosum consists of about 200 million axons and lies deep within the brain, connecting each point in the cerebrum to its mirror-image point in the opposite hemisphere.
The function of the corpus callosum is critical for the coordination and integration of motor, sensory, and cognitive performances between the cerebral cortex on one side of the brain to the same region on the other side. Without the corpus callosum, the two hemispheres would not be able to communicate effectively, which is essential for complex behaviors and functions. Notably, in some extreme cases of epilepsy, the corpus callosum may be surgically cut to reduce seizures, highlighting its role in interhemispheric communication.