Which structure connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres?

The structure that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres is the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is a thick band of neural fibers that acts as a bridge, allowing communication between the two halves of the brain. This is crucial for integrating sensory and cognitive functions, as the two hemispheres can process different types of information and need to coordinate their activities for efficient functioning.

In the context of the other options, the thalamus serves as the relay station for sensory information going to the cerebral cortex but does not connect the two hemispheres. The cerebellum is primarily involved in regulating motor control and coordination and is located beneath the cerebrum, thus not directly linking the hemispheres. The pons plays a role in relaying information between the cerebellum and the cerebrum, as well as being involved in regulating breathing and communication between different parts of the brain, but it does not connect the left and right hemispheres in the same way the corpus callosum does.