4 Cerebellum
The cerebellum consists of two hemispheres, connected in the
middle by the vermis, with gray matter (neurons) on the surface,
like the cerebral cortex. Deep nuclei also are embedded in the
white matter, which forms an arborlike pattern when viewed
grossly in section. The cerebellum overlies the pons and medulla
and is connected to the diencephalon and brainstem by three
cerebellar peduncles:
• Superior (connects to the diencephalon): afferent and
efferent fibers, with connections to the thalamus and then the
cerebral motor cortex
• Middle (connects to the pons): afferent fibers only from the
pons to the cerebellum, conveying information about
voluntary motor activities initiated by the cortex
• Inferior (connects to the medulla): afferent and efferent
fibers, with sensory information (proprioceptive) from the body
and vestibular system
COLOR each of the three cerebellar anatomical lobes (on
the right side only), using a different color for each lobe:
n 1. Anterior lobe
n 2. Posterior lobe
n 3. Flocculonodular lobe
Functionally, the cerebellum is organized in a vertical fashion, so
that each hemisphere contains three functional zones.
COLOR each of the three functional zones of the
cerebellum (on the left side only), using a different color for
each zone:
n 4. Lateral hemisphere: planning movements
n 5. Paravermis (intermediate) zone: adjust limb
movements
n 6. Vermis (in the midline): postural adjustments and eye
movements
Plate 4-12 See Netter: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 6th Edition, Plate 116
Each of these functional divisions is associated with specific
deep nuclei.
Functionally, the deep cerebellar nuclei provide the course adjust­
ment, upon which is layered the finer adjustment provided by the
cerebellar cortex. Generally, the cerebellum functions to:
• Regulate the postural muscles of the body to maintain balance
and stereotyped movements associated with walking
• Adjust limb movements initiated by the cerebral motor cortex
• Participate in the planning and programming of voluntary,
learned, skilled movements
• Play a role in the eye movement
• Play a role in cognition
Clinical Note:
Malnutrition, often associated with chronic alcoholism, can lead
to degen­eration of the cerebellar cortex, often starting anteriorly
(anterior lobe syndrome). An uncoordinated or staggering gait
may result and this is known as ataxia. Damage to the lateral
hemisphere causes ataxia in both the upper and lower extrem-
ities and may affect speech as well. The nodule of the floccu-
lonodular lobe overlies the 4th ventricle, where tumors called
­medulloblastomas arising from the roof of the ventricle can
impinge on the nodule and affect balance, sometimes accompa-
nied by problems associated with eye movements.
Nervous System
 Cerebellum 4
Body of fornix
Pineal gland

Thalamus Cerebral aqueduct

(of Sylvius)

Mammillary Lingula
body Central lobule
Culmen Vermis
Optic Declive
chiasm Folium
Superior colliculus Tuber
Inferior colliculus
Pons
4th ventricle
Pineal gland
Medulla (oblongata)
Superior
colliculus
Pyramid Inferior colliculus
Uvula Vermis
A. Median sagittal section Superior cerebellar
Nodule
peduncle

Superior Dentate
Cerebellar nucleus
Middle
peduncles Inferior

Cerebellar cortex

3
B. Posterior view

4 5 6

C. Schema of theoretical
“unfolding” of cerebellar 1
surface in derivation of
diagram below

D. “Unfolding” schematic of
3 cerebellum demonstrating
body map areas
Flocculus Nodule

Netter’s Anatomy Coloring Book Plate 4-12