Full inter-hemispheric integration sustained by a fraction of posterior callosal fibers

The dynamic integration of the lateralized and specialized capacities of the cerebral hemispheres constitutes a hallmark feature of human brain function. This inter-hemispheric exchange of information critically depends upon the corpus callosum. Classical descriptions of callosal organization outline a topographic gradient, such that specific fibers integrate distinct aspects of brain function. Here we present a challenge to this conventional model. Using neuroimaging data obtained from a new cohort of adult corpus callosotomy patients, we leverage modern network neuroscience techniques to show--for the first time--that full inter-hemispheric integration can be achieved via a small proportion ([~]1 cm) of intact posterior callosal fibers. Only complete callosotomy patients demonstrated the expected dissolution of typical inter-hemispheric network architectures, aligning with disconnection syndromes long-thought to reflect diminished information propagation and communication across the brain. These findings motivate a novel mechanistic understanding of synchronized inter-hemispheric neural activity for large-scale human brain function and behavior.