Cerebellum: Gross Anatomy and Function

Flashcards about the cerebellum's structure and function, including its anatomy, cortex, nuclei, and functional subdivisions.

What percentage of the brain's volume does the cerebellum occupy?

10%

What percentage of the brain's neurons are located in the cerebellum?

50%

What are the three primary functions of the cerebellum?

Balance and posture, coordination of voluntary movements, and cognitive functions (language)

Name the three main divisions (lobes) of the cerebellum.

Anterior lobe, posterior lobe, and flocculonodular lobe

Besides the lobes, what is another division of the cerebellum?

Vermis

What are the two main components of the cerebellum's gray matter?

Cerebellar cortex and cerebellar nuclei

Name the three layers of the cerebellar cortex.

Molecular layer, Purkinje cell layer, and Granule cell layer

What types of cells are found in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex?

Stellate and basket cells

What types of cells are found in the granule cell layer of the cerebellar cortex?

Granular and Golgi cells

Name the four cerebellar nuclei.

Fastigial nucleus, Globose nucleus, Emboliform nucleus, and Dentate nucleus

Which cerebellar nucleus is associated with balance, hearing, and sight?

Fastigial nucleus

What is the function of the vestibulocerebellar tract?

Vestibular reflexes (vestibulo-ocular reflex)

What is the function of the spinocerebellar pathways?

Integration of sensory information to produce adaptive motor coordination

What is the function of the cerebrocerebellar pathways?

Planning and timing of movements

Name three effects of damage to the cerebellum.

Decomposition of movement, intention tremor, and dysdiadochokinesia

Describe 'decomposition of movement' as it relates to cerebellar damage.

Robotic movement

What is an 'intention tremor'?

Trembling when approaching a target

Define dysdiadochokinesia.

Inability to produce alternate movements

What is the clinical significance of understanding the cerebellum's anatomy and function?

Understanding motor coordination and balance disorders

What is the role of the Flocculonodular lobe?

Balance and eye movements

What is the main function of the Vermis?

Controls axial muscles

What is the importance of the Dentate Nucleus?

Motor planning

What is the function of the interposed nuclei?

Regulates limb movements

Which structure sends fibers to the cerebellum via the pontocerebellar fibers?

Basilar Pons

What is the main role of the Vestibular Nuclei?

Balance and spatial orientation

Why there are deficits in motor learning with patients who have damage to their cerebellum?

The cerebellum plays a role in adapting motor skills.