BASAL GANGLIA AND CEREBELLUM Flashcards
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
- Coordination of planned, voluntary multi-joint movements, balance and muscle tone.
- Comparator function: Detects difference in “motor error” i.e. between intended movement and actual movement.
- Motor memory: Stores learned movement. Consciousness to unconsciousness, e.g. riding a bicycle
describe the external structure of the cerebellum?
the dorsal surface is highly folded into folia. it is divided into 2 lobules.
where are the white and grey matter found in the cerebellum?
Grey matter – located on the surface of the cerebellum. It is tightly folded, forming the cerebellar cortex.
White matter – located underneath the cerebellar cortex.
what are the 3 functional divisions of the cerebellum?
cerebrocerebellum (dentate nuclei)
spinocerebellum (interposed and fastigial nuclei)
vestublocerebellum (fastigi nuclei or direct)
describe the cerebrocerebellum?
Inputs come from cerebral cortex. Involved in the regulation of highly skilled movements. Both on lateral sides
describe the spino-cerebellum?
Recieves direct input from spinal cord. Lateral part involved in movements of distal muscles. Central part (vermis) concerned with movements of proximal muscles.
describe the vestibulocerebellum?
Includes nodulus and flocculus. Receives inputs from vestibular nuclei in brainstem. Involved in movements underlying posture and balance.
how is the cerebellum attached to the brainstem?
by the cerebellar peduncles at the level of the pins
which pathways do the superior, middle and inferior cerebellar peduncles take?
superior= efferent middle= afferent inferior= afferent and efferent
describe the main motor inputs to the cerebellum?
the motor inputs from the cerebral cortex bring information into the cerebellum via the pontine nuclei which then project over the cerebellar midline via the middle cerebellar peduncle over to the opposite cerebellar hemisphere
describe the main sensory inputs to the cerebellum?
Sensory inputs come from the same side of the body, they ascend from the spinal cord and vestibular nucleus
(and visual, auditory, proprioceptor systems).
describe the motor input to the cerebellum via the red nucleus?
what is the function?
Motor inputs from the cerebral cortex project to the red nucleus which, in turn, projects to the inferior olive. The outputs cross over the midline and project to the cerebellar cortex.
modulatory e.g. timing, learning and memory
describe the main outputs from the cerebellum?
The cerebellar cortex contains the neurons which then project to the deep cerebellar nuclei. The neurons then cross the midline and project up to the thalamus via a superior cerebellar peduncle and they then synapse with neurons which project up to the primary motor and pre-motor cortex.
what are deep cerebellar nuclei?
Major output structures embedded in deep white matter. Relay cortical cerebellar information to motor cortex and brainstem to make corrections in movement.
what are the 3 types of deep cerebellar nuclei?
fastigial (medial), 2 interposed and a dentate nucleus (lateral)
what type if disorder is Parkinson’s?
a hypokinesia disorder which causes a reduction in moveemnt
disease is progressive
what is the peak onset age for Parkinson’s?
60 years old
what is the cause of parkinsons?
it is largely idiopathic but can be genetic
what are the clinical characteristics of parkinsons?
trap tremor of hands rigidity of muscles akinesia postural probelsm
what is the neuropathology of parkinson’s?
Degeneration of neurons in substantia nigra that project to striatum. Decrease in dopamine availability. Results in decreased activity of the direct pathway and increased activity of indirect pathway= reduction of movement.
what would the post-mortem of a parkinsons patient show?
Degeneration of pigmented cells (dopamine-utilising neurons) in substantia nigra pars compacta.
what are the 4 treatment options for parkinsons?
L-DOPA
dopamine agonists
foetal cell transplants
deep brain stimulation/surgery
how can dancing and music help with parkinson’s?
It enhances audio perception and movement synchronization
Rhythm in music acts as external cue, replacing internal timing function that is impaired in Parkinson’s disease this helps compensate for loss of control by the extrapyramidal system.
what is L-DOPA?
levodopa is a precursor of dopamine. . Boosts dopamine levels in substantia nigra neurons still alive.
what are the side effects of L-DOPA?
drug resistance, involuntary movements (dyskinesia), psychosis
what do dopamine agonist do?
what is a side effect?
Stimulate postsynaptic dopamine receptors in striatum. But many side effects, e.g. sudden sleepiness.
what is foetal cell transplant?
Transplantation of foetal mesencephalic cells (stem cells) into putamen. Similar to dopamine replacement therapy. Some success. Ethics questionable.
what is deep brain stimulation?
: Implanted electrode to inactivate the globus pallidus / Subthalamic nucleus / thalamus using high frequency stimulation
what is deep brain surgery?
Remove part of globus pallidus (pallidotomy) or thalamus (thalamotomy).
other than parkinsons, what are 2 common neuropathology’s affecting the basal ganglia?
huntingtons
hemibalismus
outline Huntington’s disease?
• Genetic disorder (chromosome 4, Huntingtin gene). Loss of output neurons of striatum. This reduces the inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus and reduced excitation of globus pallidus internal segment. This leads to a decrease in tonic inhibition of the thalamus. Results in cortical motor areas being over-activated.