Anatomy of the Cerebellum Flashcards
Where is the cerebellum located? Describe the location
Posterior cranial fossa below the tentorium cerebelli. Lies posterior to the 4th ventricle, the pons, the medulla oblongata
What are the folds in the cerebellum called?
They are highly convoluted folds called folia
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
Control of posture and voluntary movements. It influences the smooth contraction of voluntary muscles and the relaxation of antagonists, tf coordinating their actions.
What is the general structure of the cerebellum?
Ovoid shape, constricted in its median part. Consists of two cerebellar hemispheres. Joined by a narrow median vermis.
What are the lobes and fissures of the cerebellum? Describe the fissures
It is divided into 3 main lobes: anterior (located superiorly), posterior (posteroinfer), flocculonodular (small lobe anteriorly). It has a primary fissure which is a wide V shaped fissure separating the ant and post lobes. It has a posterolateral fissure which seperates the posterior and flocculonodular lobes. It also has a horizontal fissure which is a deep fissure found along the margin of the cerebelum seperating the superior from the inferior surfaces (this fissure has no functional significance)
Describe the types of matter superficial to deep.
Outer grey, inner white, deep nuclei
What is the white matter of the cerebellum’s pattern called?
Arbor vitae bc shaped like tree - ‘tree of life’
Name the deep nuclei and their relative locations
Fastigial nuclei are most medial, Globose nuclei are more posterior as well as medial, emboliform are even more posterior + medial, dentate are most posterior and most lateral.
Median to lateral = fastigial, globose, emboliform, dentate.
What are cerebellar peduncles and name them
The cerebellum is connected to the brainstem by 3 peduncles - superior cerebellar peduncles (to midbrain), middle (to pons), inferior (medulla). These are three symmetrical bundles of nerve fibres which connect the brainstem and cerebellum.
Describe the superior cerebellar peduncle
Mainly efferent fibers to thalamus and red nucleus.
Afferent fibres- Ventral spinothalamic tract.
General functions are to convey sensation and proprioception.
Describe the middle cerebellar peduncle
Largest among the three cerebellar peduncles.
Conveys motor information from the cerebral cortex and pons to the cerebellum via the afferent corticopontocerebellar pathway.
Describe the Inferior cerebellar peduncle
Carries both efferent and afferent fibers mainly concerned with integrating proprioceptive sensory information with motor functions such as balance.
Integrates proprioceptive sensory information and postural maintenance via the dorsal spinocerebellar tract (Mossy fibres).
What are the zones of the cerebellum?
The cerebellum can also be divided three cerebellar zones.
Vermis - In the midline of the cerebellum.
Intermediate zone- Either side of the vermis
Lateral hemispheres- Lateral to the intermediate zone
Describe the function of the cerebrocerebellum and the zone(s) is it in
Involved in planning movements and motor learning.
It receives inputs from the cerebral cortex and pontine nuclei
Sends outputs to the thalamus and red nucleus.
This area also regulates coordination of muscle activation.
It is in the lateral zone.
Describe the function of the spinocerebellum and the zone(s) is it in
Involved in regulating body movements by allowing for errorcorrection.
It also receives proprioceptive information.
In vermis and intermediate
