Final answer:
The 'corpus callosum' is the part of the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres, ensuring communication between them and playing a key role in coordinating bodily functions and cognitive processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'corpus callosum' refers to a thick bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This structure plays a crucial role in enabling communication between the two hemispheres. Each hemisphere of the cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain, is responsible for different functions and controls the opposite side of the body. The corpus callosum facilitates the sharing of information processed in one hemisphere with the other, allowing for coordinated physical actions and complex cognitive functions. This connection is so vital that when it is severed, in the case of certain medical procedures to treat conditions like intractable epilepsy, it can lead to a syndrome known as 'split brain', where the two hemispheres can no longer communicate effectively.