Lecture 13 9/11/23 Flashcards
What is the main function of the cerebellum?
to coordinate movement in relation to speed and distance
What is important about the relationship between the cerebellum and the initiation of movement?
the cerebellum does NOT initiate movement
What are the three layers of the cerebellum gray matter?
-molecular
-perkinje
-granular
Which fibers carry input to the granular layer of the cerebellum?
mossy fibers
Which fibers carry input to the molecular layer of the cerebellum?
climbing fibers
What is the role of perkinje cells?
to send signals from the cerebellum out to the rest of the body
What are the characteristics of cerebellum signaling?
-often inhibitory
-uses GABA neurotransmitter
What are the three regions of the cerebellum?
-spinocerebellum
-cerebrocerebellum
-vestibulocerebellum
What is the role of the spinocerebellum?
proper execution of coordinated movement
What is the role of the cerebrocerebellum?
planning coordinated, properly timed movement sequences
What is the role of the vestibulocerebellum?
-inhibit vestibular system
-coordinate balance and eye movement
What are the signs of cerebellar dysfunction?
-hypermetria
-intention tremor
-vestibular dysfunction
What is hypermetria?
exaggerated motion due to a lack of cerebellar inhibition
What are intention tremors?
tremors that occur when animal attempts to initiate meaningful movement
Why is hypermetria not associated with weakness?
the UMN and LMN are still intact
What is a tremor?
rhythmic oscillation of a body part caused by alternating contraction of antagonistic muscles
What is cerebellar hypoplasia?
abnormally small cerebellum due to lack of development in utero
What causes cerebellar hypoplasia?
in utero infection with canine parvovirus or feline panleukopenia virus that occurs during the cerebellar development period
What other ailments can cause symptoms similar to cerebellar hypoplasia?
-trauma
-degenerative disease
What causes intention tremors?
impaired ability to regulate range of movement
What is a postural tremor?
tremor that occurs when an animal tries to maintain upright posture; does not improve with movement
What is steroid-responsive tremor syndrome?
-postural tremor
-improves with steroids
-unsure of cause
-patient is weaned off of steroids and condition improves
-low chance of relapse
