Cerebellar cortex

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The cerebellum is the part of the brain which lies posterior (dorsal) to the pons and medulla. It sits in the posterior cranial fossa beneath the occipital lobe of the cerebrum, from which it is separated by the tentorium cerebelli. It is connected to the brainstem by three sets of large bilateral nerve fiber bundles known as cerebellar peduncles.

At a gross level, the cerebellum is built around a central vermis which is flanked on either side by a cerebellar hemisphere. It has three surfaces: superior (tentorial), anterior (petrosal) and inferior (suboccipital). All are highly convoluted and bear deep fissures that divide the cerebellum into lobes that are further subdivided into lobules. The surface of the cerebellum is much more tightly folded compared to the cerebral cortex and is marked with fine gyri known as folia.

The cerebellum receives input from peripheral receptors and motor centers in the spinal cord, the visual and vestibular apparatus as well as cerebrum and brainstem; it is responsible for integrating these inputs to ensure coordination of movement, balance and posture, as well as motor learning.

This video will help you learn more about the surface anatomy of the cerebellum.

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