Each concept is accompanied by vivid diagrams and illustrations, making it easier to visualize and understand the brain's intricate structures. Complex topics are broken down into digestible segments, making it easier to grasp difficult concepts and retain information longer. Organized logically, w...
Cerebellum
The cerebellum originates from the dorsal aspect of the brainstem and overlies the fourth ventricle. The cerebellum is connected to the brainstem
by three pairs of fibers bundles – inferior, middle, and superior cerebellar peduncles. They join the cerebellum to the medulla, pons, and midbrain
respectively. The cerebellum carries motor function and its function at unconscious level. It maintains equilibrium (balance), and influences posture,
muscle tone and coordinates movement.
• External features of the cerebellum - Figure 1 and 2
The cerebellum is made of two laterally located
hemispheres, which is joined by vermis in the
midline. The superior part of the cerebellum is
located beneath the dural tentorium and superior
vermis is raised forming a midline ridge. The inferior
vermis is located in the deep groove between the
hemispheres. The cerebellum surface is very
convoluted creating folia. Between the folia there is
deep fissures, and they are used to divide the
cerebellum, into three lobes. On the superior part Figure 1. Lateral aspect of the brainstem and cerebellar, showing the cerebellar peduncle.
of the cerebellum the deep primary fissure separates small anterior lobe from
posterior lobe. On the underside, the conspicuous posterolateral fissure marks the
location of small regions of the hemisphere (the flocculus) and vermis (the nodule)
which together form the flocculonodular node.
• Internal structure of the cerebellum
The cerebellum is made of outer layer is made of grey matter, the cerebellar
cortex, and inner part of the cerebellar white matter. The white matter is made of
afferent and efferent fibers that project to and from cortex. Deep in the white
matter there are four bilaterally cerebellar nuclei which have output fibers,
creating connections with the cerebral cortex and some certain nuclei of the
brainstem and thalamus.
• Cerebellar cortex – Figure 7
The cortex contains cell bodies, dendrites, and synaptic connections. The cerebellar
cortex is divided into the outer molecular layer, the intermediate Purkinje cell
layer, the inner granular layer which is dominated by the granule cell.
Afferent projections to the cerebellum from a spinal cord (spinocerebellar
fibers), inferior olivary nucleus (vestibulocochlear fibers) and pons
(pontocerebellar fibers). Afferent fibers synapse in the cerebellar cortex, fibers
then enter the cerebellum through one of cerebellar peduncles and then course to
the cortex as either mossy fibers or climbing fibers.
Afferent fibers that originate elsewhere from the inferior olivary nucleus end as
mossy fibers. Mossy fibers supply several folia and end in the granular layer. Figure 2. Superior surface of the cerebellum
Figure 3. Posterior aspect of the cerebellum.
Figure 4. Anteroinferior aspect of the cerebellum.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller martapokotylo. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
