What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum primarily coordinates motor functions. Its key roles include maintaining equilibrium and posture, regulating muscle tone, and coordinating voluntary motor activities for smooth movement.

What are the three anatomical lobes of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is divided into three anatomical lobes: the anterior lobe (anterior to fissura prima), the posterior (middle) lobe (between fissura prima and posterolateral fissure), and the flocculonodular lobe (anterior to posterolateral fissure, the smallest lobe).

What are the functional subdivisions of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum has three phylogenetic/functional subdivisions: archicerebellum (flocculonodular lobe) for equilibrium and posture, paleocerebellum (anterior lobe) for limb tone and posture, and neocerebellum (middle lobe) for skilled voluntary movement coordination.

What are the three cerebellar peduncles and their functions?

The cerebellum connects to the brainstem via three peduncles: inferior cerebellar peduncle (to medulla, mostly afferent), middle cerebellar peduncle (to pons, largest, afferent), and superior cerebellar peduncle (to midbrain, primarily efferent from dentate nucleus).

What are the main arteries that supply blood to the cerebellum?

The cerebellum receives arterial supply from three main arteries: superior cerebellar artery (superior surface), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) (anterior inferior surface), and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) (posterior inferior surface).

What are common clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction?

Cerebellar lesions can cause several characteristic signs including ataxia (incoordination and balance problems), intention tremor (tremor during purposeful movements), hypotonia (decreased muscle tone), dysarthria (slurred speech), and nystagmus (abnormal eye movements).

What are the layers of the cerebellar cortex?

The cerebellar cortex has three distinct layers from superficial to deep: molecular layer (contains basket and stellate cells), Purkinje cell layer (single row of inhibitory Purkinje neurons), and granular layer (dense with granule cells and Golgi cells).

Cerebellum – Lobes, Functions & Clinical Signs

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