Lecture Notes: Anatomy of the Cerebellum

Introduction

Presenter: James
Topics covered:
- Location of the cerebellum relative to the cerebrum and brainstem
- Gross structure and vasculature
- Functions and dysfunctions
- Additional resources: Article on cerebellar inputs and outputs

Location: Posterior cranial fossa of the basilar skull
- Posterior to cerebrum and brainstem
- Includes meningeal structures: Falx cerebri, Tentorium cerebelli, Falx cerebelli
Gross Structure:
- Two hemispheres, continuous sheet of gray matter at the cortex
- Divided by the vermis (midline structure)
- Important fissures:
  - Horizontal fissure: Divides into superior and inferior halves
  - Primary fissure: Divides into anterior and posterior lobes (functional significance)
- Additional Structures:
  - Tonsils (inferior surface): Can be displaced through foramen magnum
  - Nodulus and Flocculus: Form the flocculonodular lobe (functional lobe)
- Connections:
  - Connected to brainstem by cerebellar peduncles (superior, middle, inferior)
  - Peduncles connect to midbrain, pons, and medulla

Arterial Supply: From internal carotid and vertebral arteries
- Internal carotid: Anterior circulation, forms Circle of Willis
- Vertebral arteries: Posterior circulation, form basilar artery
Cerebellar Arteries:
- Superior Cerebellar Artery: Supplies superior anterior lobe
- Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: Supplies flocculus, parts of posterior and anterior lobes
- Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: Supplies inferior vermis and posterior lobe

Concerned with motor control, unconscious level, ipsilateral influence
Functional Divisions:
- Vestibulocerebellum (Flocculonodular lobe): Balance, gaze control, posture
- Spinocerebellum (Vermis, paravermal regions): Posture, monitoring/correcting motor activity, coordination
- Cerebrocerebellum (Hemispheres): Coordination, motor learning, memory, initiation of movement
Cerebellar Lesions: Use mnemonic "DANISH" to remember symptoms

Notes prepared by: [Your Name]