Page 3 - UNIT 3

1.2. Anatomical functional areas of the
cerebellum.

The cerebellum is divided into three lobes two
deep fissures:

1. The anterior lobe.
2. The posterior lobe.
3. The flocculonodular lobe: this is the
oldest of all portions of the cerebellum
(develops before the other parts). It
functions (and it developed along) with
the vestibular system in controlling
body equilibrium.

 Functionally, the anterior and posterior lobes are organized along the longitudinal axis.
 Down the centre of the cerebellum is located the vermis that is separated from the remainder
of the cerebellum by shallow grooves. In this area, most cerebellar control functions for
antigravity muscle movements of the axial body, neck, shoulders and hips are located.
 To each side of the vermis there’s a cerebellar hemisphere, and each of these
hemispheres is divided into an (1) intermediate zone and a (2) lateral zone (area of
walking).
 (1) The intermediate zone of the hemisphere masters muscle contractions in the distal
portions of the limbs, specially the hands, feet, fingers, toes and the face.
 (2) The lateral zone of the hemisphere joins with the cerebral cortex in the overall
planning sequential motor movements. Without this lateral zone, most discrete motor
activities of the body become uncoordinated.

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