The cerebellum

Question 1

During embryonic development, the anterior portion of the neural tube forms what ?

Answer 1

Forebrain (prosencephalon)
Midbrain (mesencephalon)
Hindbrain (rhombencephalon)
The hindbrain subsequently divides into the metencephalon (superior) and the myelencephalon (inferior)

Question 2

The cerebellum develops from?

Answer 2

The cerebellum develops from the metencephalon ( superior hindbrain)

Question 3

the cerebellum can be found within which fossa

Answer 3

posterior cranial fossa

Question 4

Name the three lobes of the cerebellum?

These lobes are separated by what?

Answer 4

; the anterior lobe, the posterior lobe and the flocculonodular lobe

These lobes are divided by two fissures – the primary fissure and posterolateral fissure.

Question 5

Name the three cerebellar zones

Answer 5

• Vermis
• Intermediate zone
• Lateral hemisphere

Question 6

Name the 3 functional areas of the cerebellum

Answer 6

he cerebrocerebellum,
the spinocerebellum
and the vestibulocerebellum.

Question 7

State the function of the Cerebrocerebellum

Answer 7

Cerebrocerebellum – the largest division, formed by the lateral hemispheres. It is involved in planning movements and motor learning. It receives inputs from the cerebral cortex and pontine nuclei, and sends outputs to the thalamus and red nucleus. This area also regulates coordination of muscle activation and is important in visually guided movements.

Question 8

State the function of the Spinocerebellum

Answer 8

Spinocerebellum – comprised of the vermis and intermediate zone of the cerebellar hemispheres. It is involved in regulating body movements by allowing for error correction. It also receives proprioceptive information.

Question 9

State the function of the Vestibulocerebellum

Answer 9

Vestibulocerebellum – the functional equivalent to the flocculonodular lobe. It is involved in controlling balance and ocular reflexes, mainly fixation on a target. It receives inputs from the vestibular system, and sends outputs back to the vestibular nuclei.

Question 10

Describe the vasculature of the cerebellum

Answer 10

The cerebellum receives its blood supply from three paired arteries:

Superior cerebellar artery (SCA)
Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA)
The SCA and AICA are branches of the basilar artery, which wraps around the anterior aspect of the pons before reaching the cerebellum. The PICA is a branch of the vertebral artery

Question 11

Describe the venous drainage of the cerebellum

Answer 11

Venous drainage of the cerebellum is by the superior and inferior cerebellar veins. They drain into the superior petrosal, transverse and straight dural venous sinuses.