The internal capsules and corpus callosum are clinically important white matter tracts
White matter of the brain lies deep to the cortical grey matter.
The internal capsules are white matter tracts which connect with the corona radiata and white matter of the cerebral hemispheres superiorly, and with the brain stem inferiorly.
The corpus callosum is a white matter tract located in the midline. It arches over the lateral ventricles and connects white matter of the left and right cerebral hemispheres.
The internal capsules are narrow white matter tracts which contain a high number of axons connecting the corona radiata and cerebral hemisphere white matter superiorly to the brain stem inferiorly
Each internal capsule has an anterior limb and a posterior limb connected at the 'genu' (asterisks)
Internal capsule - clinical significance
The internal capsules are supplied by perforating branches of the middle cerebral arteries
As these vessels are small they are susceptible to lacunar infarcts
Even a small insult to the internal capsule can have a profound affect on motor and sensory function
