

Embedded in the white matter are the four cerebellar nuclei (the dentate, emboliform, globose, and fastigi nuclei). White matter - located underneath the cerebellar cortex.It is tightly folded, forming the cerebellar cortex. Grey matter - located on the surface of the cerebellum.Like other structures in the central nervous system, the cerebellum consists of grey matter and white matter: The cerebellum consists of two hemispheres which are connected by the vermis, a narrow midline area. It is inferior to the cerebrum, and posterior to the pons. Fig 1.0 - Anatomical position of the cerebellum. It lies at the same level of and posterior to the pons, from which it is separated by the fourth ventricle. It is separated from these lobes by the tentorium cerebelli, a tough layer of dura mater. The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, immediately inferior to the occipital and temporal lobes, and within the posterior cranial fossa. In particular, it is active in the coordination, precision and timing of movements, as well as in motor learning. It has an important role in motor control, with cerebellar dysfunction often presenting with motor signs. The cerebellum, which stands for "little brain", is a structure of the central nervous system. It receives inputs from the vestibular system, and sends outputs back to the vestibular nuclei. It is involved in controlling balance and ocular reflexes, mainly fixation on a target. Vestibulocerebellum – the functional equivalent to the flocculonodular lobe.It also receives proprioceptive information. It is involved in regulating body movements by allowing for error correction. Spinocerebellum – comprised of the vermis and intermediate zone of the cerebellar hemispheres.This area also regulates coordination of muscle activation and is important in visually guided movements. It receives inputs from the cerebral cortex and pontine nuclei, and sends outputs to the thalamus and red nucleus.

It is involved in planning movements and motor learning. Cerebrocerebellum – the largest division, formed by the lateral hemispheres.There are three functional areas of the cerebellum – the cerebrocerebellum, the spinocerebellum and the vestibulocerebellum. The cerebellum can also be divided by function. It will provide a brief overview of its functions and development, and finally it will highlight the clinical relevance of cerebellar disorders.īy Nrets, from Wikimedia Commonsįig 1.2 – Superior view of an “unrolled” cerebellum, placing the vermis in one plane. This article will focus on the anatomy of the cerebellum. The cerebellum develops from the metencephalon division. The hindbrain subsequently divides into the metencephalon (superior) and the myelencephalon (inferior). In particular, it is active in the coordination, precision and timing of movements, as well as in motor learning.ĭuring embryonic development, the anterior portion of the neural tube forms three parts that give rise to the brain and associated structures: The cerebellum, which stands for “little brain”, is a structure of the central nervous system. 4 Clinical Relevance: Cerebellar Dysfunction.
