Neuroanatomy - Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum

Question 1

what is the main role of the cerebellum?

Answer 1

vital in movement

Question 2

where is the cerebellum located?

Answer 2

posterior and inferior to the cerebral hemispheres

Question 3

what are upwards projections of the cerebellum called?

Answer 3

folia

Question 4

what are depressions in the cerebellum called?

Answer 4

sulci

Question 5

what are the three lobes of the cerebellum from largest to smallest?

Answer 5

posterior
anterior
flocculonodular

Question 6

what attaches the cerebellum to the brainstem?

Answer 6

via peduncles (x3)

white matter structures

Question 7

what are the three cerebellar peduncles and which is largest?

Answer 7

superior, middle and inferior

largest = middle

Question 8

what are the three layers of the cerebellar cortex from outer to inner?

Answer 8

molecular layer
purkinje cell layer
granule cell layer

Question 9

what is the basal ganglia?

Answer 9

a series of grey matter structures deep in the brain

Question 10

what is the overall role of the basal ganglia?

Answer 10

work to alter how movements are carried out

Question 11

what five structures make up the basal ganglia?

Answer 11

caudate nucleus 
putamen 
globus pallidus 
subthalamic nucleus 
substantia nigra

Question 12

what two structures of the basal ganglia form the lenticular nucleus?

Answer 12

putamen

globus pallidus

Question 13

what two structures of the basal ganglia form the striatum?

Answer 13

caudate nucleus

putamen

Question 14

what three structures of the basal ganglia form the corpus striatum?

Answer 14

caudate nucleus
putamen
globus pallidus

(aka the lenticular nucleus + the striatum)

Question 15

where is the substantia nigra located?

Answer 15

basal ganglia structure located in the midbrain

Question 16

what basal ganglia structure is involved in the pathology of parkinson’s?

Answer 16

the substantia nigra

Question 17

how do the basal ganglia work with the motor cortex to enhance normal movement?

Answer 17

via the direct pathway - enhances the outflow of the thalamus, enhancing the desired movement

Question 18

how do the basal ganglia work with the motor cortex to suppress unwanted movement?

Answer 18

indirect pathway - inhibits the outflow of the thalamus

Question 19

what side of the body is affected by a unilateral lesion of the basal ganglia?

Answer 19

the contralateral side

opposite

Question 20

what signs are caused by lesions of the basal ganglia?

Answer 20

changes in muscle tone

dyskinesias such as tremor, chorea and myoclonus

Question 21

what is the pathology behind parkinson’s?

Answer 21

degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra

Question 22

what are some signs of parkinson’s?

Answer 22

akinesia
rigidity
resting tremor

Question 23

what is the pattern of inheritance in huntington’s?

Answer 23

autosomal dominant

Question 24

what is the pathology behind huntington’s?

Answer 24

progressive degeneration of the basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex

Question 25

name two signs of huntington’s disease

Answer 25

chorea

progressive dementia