What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain?

The structure that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain is the corpus callosum. This large bundle of neural fibers facilitates communication between the two hemispheres, enabling them to share information and coordinate activities effectively. The corpus callosum plays a crucial role in the integration of cognitive, sensory, and motor functions, which is essential for coordinated behavior and responses. Its extensive network allows for the seamless transfer of information, which is vital for complex tasks that require input from both hemispheres.

In contrast, the cerebellum is primarily involved in the coordination of voluntary movements and balance, while the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information before it reaches the cerebral cortex. The pons serves as a communication pathway between different parts of the brain and helps regulate functions such as sleep and respiration, but it does not connect the hemispheres. Thus, the corpus callosum is the specific structure designed for interhemispheric communication.