[Campbell Biology P.1147] A patient who has undergone a corpus callosotomy for severe epileps... | Practice Question

A patient who has undergone a corpus callosotomy for severe epilepsy is shown a picture of a spoon in their left visual field. If asked what they saw, what would the patient most likely say or do?

  • A: They would say "spoon" but not be able to draw it.
  • B: They would say they saw nothing, but could pick up the spoon with their left hand if asked.
  • C: They would be able to say "spoon" and also draw it with their right hand.
  • D: They would not be able to say anything or identify the object in any way.

Explanation

The text explains that for 'split-brain' patients, 'the sensory information travels from the left field of vision to the right hemisphere, but cannot then reach the language centers in the left hemisphere.' Therefore, they cannot verbalize what they saw. However, the right hemisphere can still process the object and guide motor actions of the left hand.