Cerebellum Flashcards
list the major functions of the cerebellum (5)
coordination (limb, trunk, oculomotor) balance and equilibrium muscle tone motor control motor learning
Describe the location of the cerebellum
in the posterior fossa of the skull, infratentorial, dorsal to the midbrain (divided via 4th ventricle )
what is the vermis and what is its function?
the midline between the cerebellar hemispheres; Posture, proximal limb movement, eye movement
what separates the anterior and posterior lobe of the cerebellum?
the primary fissure
what anatomical structures are visible in the dorsal view of the cerebellum?
vermis, intermediate zone, cerebellar hemispheres, ant/post lobe, primary fissure
what anatomical features are visible in the ventral view of the cerebellum?
posterolateral fissure, tonsils, flocculonodular lobe, cerebellar peduncles
what type of information does each cerebellar peduncle relay?
superior: primarily efferent between midbrain and cerebellum
middle (largest): afferent from pons to cerebellum
inf: both efferent and afferent between medulla and cerebellum
where does the superior cerebellar peduncle decussate?
caudal midbrain at the level of inf colliculus
what are the 3 cerebellar regions?
cerebrocerebellum, spinocerebellum, vestibulocerebellum
where does the cerebrocerebellum relay info from/to? what is the function?
input to/from the cortex
fn: planning and initiation of movement
where does the spinocerebellum relay info from/to? What are it’s 2 components and their functions?
input to/from SC
Vermis: posture, proximal limb movement, eye movement
intermediate zone: integrating input re: appendicular limb position and somatosensory input
where does the vestibulocerebellum relay info from/to? what is the function?
input to/from vestibular labyrinth
fn: maintenance of equilibrium, balance, and posture, vestiulo-ocular control
what are the major types of cells found in the cerebellum? special features? function?
purkinje cells are densely packed into the cerebellum and have many dendrites which enables a lot of integration. they receive all output from cerebellum and primarily produce inhibition so that action matches intent.
what are the 2 types of fibers involved with cerebellar input? what are their functions?
pontocerebellar fiber: planning and control of precise dextrous movements of the extremities
olivocerebellar fibers: motor learning and memory
What cortical areas contribute to the pontocerebellar fibers?
PriMC, PriSC and visual cortex
secondary: vestibular and auditory cortices
