Cerebellum: Anatomy & Function
The cerebellum is the “fine-tuner” of movement, responsible for coordination, balance, and motor learning. For NEET PG, focus on the functional subdivisions and the specific manifestations of cerebellar lesions.
1. Functional Subdivisions
| Zone | Primary Function | Deficit/Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Vestibulocerebellum (Flocculonodular) | Balance and Eye Movements | Truncal ataxia, Nystagmus |
| Spinocerebellum (Vermis/Paravermis) | Body and limb coordination | Gait ataxia, Dysarthria |
| Cerebrocerebellum (Lateral Hemispheres) | Skilled/Planning movement | Appendicular ataxia, Intention tremor |
2. Exam “Must-Knows.”
- Side of Lesion: Cerebellar symptoms are ipsilateral to the lesion.
- Deep Cerebellar Nuclei (LATERAL to MEDIAL): Dentate, Emboliform, Globose, Fastigial (Mnemonic: Don’t Eat Greasy Food).
- Blood Supply: Superior Cerebellar Artery (SCA), Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA), Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA).
Physiology Board Hint: For cerebellar assessment, remember DANISH: Dysdiadochokinesia, Ataxia, Nystagmus, Intention tremor, Slurred speech (dysarthria), Hypotonia. If a question describes a patient with difficulty performing rapid alternating movements (dysdiadochokinesia), always think of a lesion in the cerebellar hemisphere.