The cerebellum and its functions* Flashcards
What is the cerebellum involved in?
Control of motor activity, learning motor skills.
What is the cerebellum connected?
- The medulla oblongata via the inferior cerebellar peduncles.
- The pons via the middle cerebellar penducles.
- The cerebral hemispheres via the superior cerebellar peduncles.
What are the 3 parts of the cerebellum called?
-archicerebellum
-paleocerebellum
-neocerebellum
What is the archicerebellum known as?
It is known as flocculonodular lobe.
What does the paleocerebellum influence?
Muscle tone and hence posture through spinal motor nerves.
What is the paleocerebellum known as?
The vermis (latin for worm).
what is the archicerebellum concerned with?
Balance.
What happens if the flocculonodular lobe is damaged or diseased?
rapid eye movement and vertigo
What is the common cause of cerebellar dysfunction and the symptoms?
MS, Ataxia, Alcoholic intoxication and vascular lesion.
Signs: Wide staggering gait, slurred speech.
What are voluntary muscles made up of?
extrafusal fibres. They are controlled through large diameter fast conducting alpha neurons.
What do intrafusal fibres contain?
muscles spindles which monitor the state of contraction of muscles.
Where do muscle spindles get their motor supply from?
Through gamma motor neurons controlled by the cerebellum.
