Cerebellum

Question 1

Explain in general terms how the brain makes accurate goal-directed movements of the body

Question 2

Describe the functions of the cerebellar vermis, hemispheres, and flocculonodular lobes

Answer 2

1. Vermis (midline)
   - muscle tone, posture
   - execution of head, trunk, and proximal limb movements
   - somatotopic organization: trunk in midline, extremities are more lateral (para-vermis)
2. Hemispheres (lateral)
   - planning, initiation, and timing of movements
   - fine motor control of digits
   - higher functions: memory and language
3. Flocculonodular lobe
   - coordinates balance
   - coordinates eye movements

Question 3

Describe in detail the afferent inputs to the cerebellum and determine whether each input contributes mossy or climbing fibers to the cerebellar circuitry

Question 4

Describe the cellular organization and histological appearance of the cerebellar cortex

Question 5

Distinguish functionally between mossy and climbing fibers, and note the roles played by each in cerebellar microcircuitry

Question 6

Describe in detail the efferent outputs of the cerebellum and summarize the cerebellar feedback circuits, noting the function of each

Question 7

Identify the components of the myoclonic triangle and note the pathological consequences of lesion to this feedback circuit

Answer 7

palatal myoclonus
ocular myoclonus
Holmes’ tremor

Question 8

Review the blood supply to the cerebellum

Question 9

Clinical Correlates of cerebellar damage

Answer 9

limb ataxia
volitional tremor
dysmetria (past-pointing)
dyssynergia (jerky movements)
dysdiadochokinesia (cannot flip flop hands; patty cake)
hypotonia

Floccular lesions: vestibular signs
- nystagmus, vertigo, nausea)