What anatomical feature separates the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum?

Study for the PLTW Human Body Systems Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

The anatomical feature that separates the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum is the longitudinal fissure. This deep groove runs from the front to the back of the brain, dividing it into two distinct halves. The separation is crucial because it allows each hemisphere to function semi-independently, with specialized functions associated with each side, such as language skills typically being localized in the left hemisphere for most people.

The corpus callosum, while crucial for communication between the two hemispheres, is not the structure that directly separates them; rather, it is a band of nerve fibers that connects the two. The central sulcus and the lateral sulcus are important anatomical features as well, but they serve different functions and do not separate the hemispheres. The central sulcus divides the frontal and parietal lobes, while the lateral sulcus separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes. Thus, the longitudinal fissure is specifically responsible for the division of the cerebrum into right and left hemispheres.

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