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In a person with a complete corpus callosum

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even if you grab an object with your right hand or see an object to the left of where you are looking

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both hemispheres can respond to what you grab or see.

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This is possible because the two hemispheres communicate with each other.

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However, for medical reasons some people have had their corpus callosum cut

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The effect of this procedure on patients has offered scientists a unique glimpse into the functioning of the brain.

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If these patients grab something with their right hand, only the left hemisphere will feel that object.

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If they see something to the left of where they are looking, only the right hemisphere will be able to perceive it.

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These patients are said to have “split-brains.”

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It is important to note here that only the corpus callosum has been cut

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the pathways from the hand or eye to the brain are unaffected.