The Cerebellum

The Cerebellum

Definition

Part of the brain is concerned with co-ordination of muscular movements, maintenance of posture and balance

Situation

It is situated behind the pons varolii

Below the posterior portion of the cerebrum

In the posterior cranial fossa

Structure

Consists or 3 parts

Flocculo nodular part

Vermis anterior and posterior

Lateral Hemispheres

Vermis is the narrow median strip

Greay matter on the surface

White matter in the depth

Cerebellum communicates with the other parts of the CNS through three major nerve tracts :

Superior cerebellar peduncle

Middle cerebellar peduncle

Inferior cerebellar peduncle

Funtions

Coordination of groups of voluntary muscles so that movements are smooth, even and precise

Maintenance of body posture

Coordination of activities associated with the maintenance of the balance and equilibrium of body.

Cerebellar activities are not under voluntary control

Sensory input for cerebellum are derived from muscles, joints, eyes and ears (from semicircular canals).

Applied anatomy

Cerebellar dysfunction may cause

Decreased muscle tone,

Imbalance and

Lack of co-ordination

Ataxia

Dysdiadochokinesia

Dysmetria

Dysynergia

Scanning speech

Parts	Control
Flocculo Nodular	Balance and maintenance of muscle tone
Vermis Anterior Part	Motor co-ordination and muscle tone
Vermis Posterior Part and Lateral Hemispheres	Fine motor co-ordination and muscle tone