Cerebellum

Question 1

What is the name of the mid-line structure of the cerebellum?

vermis

flocculus

nodulus

Answer 1

vermis

Explanation

The vermis is the mid-line structure of the cerebellum. The nodulus and flocculus form the flocculonodular lobe.

Question 2

Which cerebellar penducle contains the major efferent projections of the cerebellum and connects the cerebellum to the midbrain?

inferior

middle

superior

Answer 2

Superior

Explanation

The superior cerebellar peduncle will carry the major efferent fiber bundles of the cerebellum and it connects the cerebellum to the midbrain. The middle cerebellar peduncle will carry the major afferent fiber bundles and connects the cerebellum to the pons. The inferior cerebellar peduncle will contain both afferent and efferent fiber bundles and connects the cerebellum to the medulla.

Question 3

Similar to the cerebrum, the cerebellum consists of two hemispheres, and a white matter core with deep nuclei embedded in the core.

True or False

Answer 3

True

Explanation

This statement is true: similar to the cerebrum the cerebellum has a right and left hemisphere and a white matter core that consists of afferent and efferent fibers with deep cerebellar nuclei embedded in the white matter core.

Question 4

Which of the following cortical zones consists of the majority of the cerebellar hemispheres?

medial zones

lateral zones

intermediate zones

Answer 4

lateral zones

Explanation

The lateral zone is the largest of the cortical zones and it encompasses the majority of the cerebellar hemispheres and also include the flocculus. The medial (vermal zone) is located just adjacent to the mid-line and includes the nodulus. The intermediate zone occupies an area between the lateral and medial zones and excludes the flocculonodular lobe.

Question 5

Which cortical zone is associated with the interposed nuclei?

medial

lateral

intermediate

Answer 5

intermediate

Explanation

Each cortical zone has a deep cerebellar nucleus associated with it. The intermediate zone is associated with the interposed nuclei (emboliform & globose). The medial zone is associated with the fastigial nucleus and the lateral zone with the largest of the nuclei, the dentate nucleus.

Question 6

The cerebellum plays an important role in the maintenance of balance, coordination of eye, speech, and skilled limb movements, and motor learning.

True

False

Answer 6

True

Explanation

This statement is true: the key functions of the cerebellum are the maintenance of balance and posture; coordination of movements; and motor learning.