Cerebellar nuclei
Learning objectives
This study unit will help you to:
- Understand the internal structure of the cerebellum and the divisions of the gray matter inside the cerebellum.
- Learn about the nuclei of the cerebellum, their structure and their functions.
Watch video
The gray matter structures are the cerebellar cortex and cerebellar nuclei. The cerebellar cortex is the superficial sheet of densely packed nerve cells organized into three distinct layers (from superficial to deep):
- The molecular layer
- The Purkinje cell layer
- The granular layer
The deep gray matter is embedded in the white matter of the cerebellum and organized in four deep cerebellar nuclei. These nuclei are arranged in the following order (medial to lateral):
- The fastigial nuclei
- The globose nuclei
- The emboliform nuclei
- The dentate nuclei
The globose and emboliform nuclei can functionally be grouped into a structure called the interposed nuclei.
This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of the cerebellar nuclei.
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Browse atlas
Take a closer look at the cerebellar nuclei in the gallery below.
Summary
Definition | Deep gray matter structures of the cerebellum located deep to the fourth ventricle |
Nuclei | Fastigial nuclei, interposed nuclei (globose nuclei, emboliform nuclei), dentate nuclei |
Cortical layers |
Molecular layer (superficial layer): Dendritic trees of the Purkinje cells, axons of granule cells, stellate cells Purkinje cells layer (middle layer): Purkinje cells, Bergmann glial cells Granular layer (deep layer): Granule cells and Golgi cells |
Functional zones |
Vermal zone (fastigial nucleus): Responsible for maintaining balance Paravermal zone (interposed nuclei): Involved with skilled, volitional movements Lateral zones (dentate nucleus): Responsible for regulating entire motor activity; major nucleus: dentate nucleus Flocculonodular zone: Coordinates eye movements and balance |