Cerebellum
Introduction
The cerebellum is latin for ‘little brain’
Functional Anatomy
Located posterior to the occipital lobe, the cerebellum is located dorsal to the pons and
medulla. The cerebellum is comprised of 3 main lobes; anterior, posterior, and
flocculonodular. The anterior and posterior lobe are divided by the primary fissure,
while the posterior fissure divides the posterior and flocculonodular lobe. The two
longitudinal grooves divide the cerebellum into 3 hemispheres; the vermis,
intermediate, and lateral.
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3 Functional Regions
Vestibulocerebellum
The vestibulocerebellum, also known as the floccuculonodular lobe, controls the axial
muscles involved in balance and coordination of eye, body, and head movements. .
Information from the vestibular apparatus (semicircular canals and otolithic organs) travels
along cranial nerve VIII to the vestibular nuclei in the medulla directly entering into the
vestibulocerebellum. Information leaving the floccuclonodular lobe projects to the vestibular
nuclei (act as deep cerebellar nuclei). Information then descends on the medial and lateral
vestibulospinal tracts controlling posture. Projections also ascend to aid in the vestibular ocular
reflex.
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Anatomy
Inputs/Outputs
Function
Dysfunction
Spinocerebellum
Anatomy
Inputs/Outputs
Function
Dysfunction
Cerebrocerebellum
Anatomy
Inputs/Outputs
Function
Dysfunction
Internal Organization
General Inputs/Outputs
General Functions
General Dysfunction
Conclusion
Quiz Questions
Answers
Suggested Readings
References