Cerebellum

John H. Martin, Ph.D. Center for Neurobiology & Behavior Columbia University

Cerebellar Signs

Hypometria & Response delays

Ataxia

PNS Fig. 42-16

Incoordination/ rapid alternating movements (disdiadochokinesia)

Research Points to Several Key Cerebellar Functions

Comparison of intent and action (ie., errors) and generates corrective signals Motor learning and adaptation Plays a role in automating and optimizing behavior Motor cognition and general cognition & emotions (new evidence; controversial)

Goal: Cerebellar function

Overview of motor system hierarchy Cerebellar anatomy Principal pathways out of the cerebellum-How the cerebellum impacts the motor pathways Experimental approaches to reveal:
Motor learning Mental processes underlying movement control Role in cognition and emotions

Motor Hierarchy

1 Som sensory

Intent Actual

Exerts influence at all levels

Cerebellar Functional Anatomy

Cerebellar Cortex

Deep Cerebellar Nuclei: Dentate

Interposed

Fastigial

PNS Fig. 42-1

Input-output Organization
Cerebellar cortex Deep Cerebellar Nuclei: Fastigial Interposed Dendate

Cortex

+ +
Nuclei Output Vestibular nuclei

Extrinsic inputs: mossy fiber climbing fiber NTA Fig. 13-2,4

Cerebellar divisions
Spinocerebellum: Spinocerebellum (Vermis + Intermed. Hem) Control of limbs and trunk Cerebrocerebellum (Lateral hemisphere) Planning of movement+ Vestibulo-cerebellum (Floculo-nodular lobe) Control of eye & head movements Balance IVth vent
Vermis Intermediate hem.

Cerebrocerebellum:
Lateral hem.

Vermis Intermediate hem. Lateral hem.

NTA Fig. 13-1

Floculo-nodular lobe

Cerebellar Cortex
Inputs Climbing fibers from Inferior olive Mossy fibers

Output Purkinje neurons

Interneurons Granule neurons

Stellate neurons
Molecular

Basket neurons Golgi neurons

Purkinje Granular

NTA Fig. 13-11

Without inhibitory circuits

With inhibitory circuits

Inhibition reduces size of active Purkinje neurons

= Lateral inhibition Output more focused; more precise

Parallel fiber input to cerebellar cortex

Functional divisions of cerebellar cortex --> Deep nuclei

PNS Fig. 42-2

Functional divisions of cerebellar cortex --> Deep nuclei

Spinocerebellum

Vermis Intermediate hemisphere Cerebrocerebellum Lateral hemisphere Spinocerebellum Vermis Intermediate hem Cerebrocerebellum Lateral hemisphere
Inter

Dentate posed Fastigial Vestibulocerebellum Vestibulocerebellum Floculo-nodular lobe

To frontal motor areas

To lateral sysetms

To medial sysetms

To vestibular nuclei

Motor Planning +++

Motor execution

Eye mvt & balance

PNS Fig. 42-3 NTA Fig. 13-1

Medial & lateral systems

Interposed nuclei Fastigial

Vestibulocerebellum via vestibular nuclei

NTA Fig. 10-2

Intermediate and Lateral Hemispheres Planning and limb control

Vermis & Vestibulocerebellum

Thalamus and Cortical motor areas

Brain stem nuclei Cerebellar cortex & Deep nuclei Brain stem nuclei Axial control

Ipsilateral

PNS Fig. 42-10, 12

Bilateral

Functions of the Cerebellum

Motor learning/adaptation Non-motor functions:

Active tactile exploration Higher brain functions (cerebellar cognitiveaffective syndrome)

Motor Learning

Before Prisms

Before Prisms

After

After

PNS Fig. 42-15

Non-motor Function
Passive stimulation Discriminate roughness

Manipulate only PNS Fig. 42-14

Manipulate + discriminate

Cerebellar Motor Functions

Implemented via lateral and medial pathways, especially the corticospinal tract Incorporated into motor programs via frontal motor areas (SMA, premotor cortex) Becomes part of motor strategy via prefrontal cortex

Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Disorder

Lesions of the posterior cortex and vermis Impairment of executive functions
Planning, verbal fluency, abstract reasoning

Difficulties with spatial cognition

Visuo-spatial organization, visual memory

Personality changes
Blunting of affect, inappropriate behaviors

Language disorders
Agrammatism

Conclusions
Cerebellar lesions produce
Incoordination & errors not weakness Lose ability to anticipate errors Lose ability to correct

Motor learning
Requires sensory awareness Implemented via the descending cortical and brain stem pathways

Cognitive and emotional disturbances

Anatomical connections to prefrontal and cingulate cortex (via thalamus)

No single function
Clearly mostly motor; learning, optimizes Functions may apply to cognitive and emotional behaviors