Occipital forceps
Forceps occipitalis
- Latin synonym: Forceps major
- Synonym: Major forceps
- Related terms: Major forceps; Occipital forceps
Definition
The occipital forceps, or forceps major, is a posterior bundle of commissural fibres that passes through the splenium of the corpus callosum and curves posteriorly and laterally into the occipital lobes of both cerebral hemispheres. It forms a prominent component of the posterior radiation of the corpus callosum.
These fibres provide interhemispheric connections between the occipital cortices and are particularly important for the transfer and integration of visual information between the two hemispheres.
Important distinction
The occipital forceps should be distinguished from the forceps minor (frontal forceps). The forceps major passes through the splenium and projects into the occipital lobes, whereas the forceps minor passes through the genu and projects into the frontal lobes.
References
Goldstein A, Covington BP, Mahabadi N, et al. Neuroanatomy, Corpus Callosum. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448209/
