Neuroanatomy Draw It To Know It

248 Neuroanatomy: Draw It to Know It

Know-It Points

Lobes, Zones, & Modules

■ Th e primary fi ssure divides the corpus cerebelli into
anterior and posterior lobes.
■ Th e posterolateral fi ssure separates the corpus
cerebelli from the fl occulonodular lobe.
■ Th e vestibulocerebellum is important for equilibrium
and eye movements.

■ Th e spinocerebellum plays a major role in postural

stability.

■ Th e pontocerebellum is geared towards goal-directed,

fi ne motor movements.

Somatotopy & Lobules

■ Unilateral cerebellar lesions aff ect the ipsilateral side
of the body.
■ Th e midline cerebellum plays a role in posture
whereas the lateral cerebellum assists in fi ne motor,
goal-oriented skills.

■ Th e midline, vermian cerebellum divides into ten

diff erent lobules.

■ Th e cerebellar hemispheres divide into nine diff erent

lobules.

Peduncles, Midline Structures, Arteries

■ Th e middle and inferior cerebellar peduncles are
aff erent pathways into the cerebellum.
■ Th e superior cerebellar peduncle is an eff erent
pathway out of the cerebellum.
■ Notable exceptions to the aforementioned rules are:

• Th e anterior spinocerebellar tract enters the
  cerebellum through the superior cerebellar peduncle
  
  
  • Select midline cerebellar tracts exit the cerebellum
    through the inferior cerebellar peduncle
    ■ Th e fl occulonodular lobe lies in anterior, mid-
    cerebellar position.
  
  
  
  

Nuclei & Circuitry ( Advanced )

■ Th e two main classes of cerebellar nuclei are the
cerebellar cortical neurons and the deep cerebellar
nuclei.
■ Th e cerebellar cortical cell layers, from outside to
inside, are the molecular layer, Purkinje layer, and
granule layer.
■ From lateral to medial, the deep cerebellar nuclei
are the dentate, emboliform, globose, and fastigial
nuclei.

■ Th e fastigial nucleus plays a role in both the

vestibulocerebellum and spinocerebellum.

■ Th e interposed nuclei (the combined globose and

emboliform nuclei) are part of the spinocerebellum.

■ Th e dentate nucleus is part of the pontocerebellum.

■ Climbing fi bers are excitatory fi bers that originate

solely from the inferior olive and project to the

cerebellum via the contralateral inferior cerebellar

peduncle.