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Anterior quadrangular lobule (HV) of cerebellum

The anterior quadrangular lobule (HV) is a subdivision of the cerebellar hemisphere, located in the superior posterior lobe (lobule HV). It forms part of the superior cerebellar hemisphere and contributes to the cerebellar vermis and lateral hemispheric circuitry. This lobule is involved in fine motor coordination, balance, and integration of proprioceptive input from the body, particularly for limb movements. It communicates with the dentate nucleus and other deep cerebellar nuclei via cerebellar white matter tracts to modulate motor output.

The anterior quadrangular lobule is covered by the cerebellar cortex, composed of gray matter with Purkinje cells, overlying white matter tracts (arbor vitae). It is highly folded, creating folia, which increase surface area for neuronal connections. Precise knowledge of its anatomy and imaging characteristics is essential for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists, especially in posterior fossa lesion assessment, ataxia evaluation, and surgical planning.

Function

  • Coordinates fine voluntary limb movements

  • Integrates proprioceptive and sensory input for balance and posture

  • Modulates signals via dentate and other deep cerebellar nuclei

  • Contributes to motor learning and timing of movements

  • Participates in adaptive postural control

Synonyms

  • HV lobule

  • Superior anterior quadrangular lobule

  • Lobule HV of cerebellum

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • The lobule appears as gray matter of intermediate signal intensity, surrounded by hyperintense white matter of the arbor vitae

  • Folia are visible as alternating bands of gray and white matter

  • T1 contrast highlights normal anatomy; lesions may show hypointensity in gray matter or enhancement if contrast is applied

T2-weighted images:

  • Gray matter of the lobule is intermediate signal intensity

  • White matter appears relatively hyperintense, providing clear contrast with gray folia

  • Useful for detecting cerebellar edema, infarcts, demyelination, or mass lesions

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Gray matter remains intermediate signal, while edema, inflammation, or tumor-related changes appear hyperintense

  • Ideal for identifying posterior fossa pathologies or subtle inflammatory changes

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced):

  • Normal lobule shows minimal or no enhancement

  • Pathological lesions such as tumors, metastases, or vascular malformations may show enhancement, aiding in lesion characterization

CT Appearance:

  • The lobule appears as soft tissue density, slightly lower than surrounding bone

  • Folia may produce subtle striated appearance depending on resolution

  • CT is excellent for detecting hemorrhage, calcifications, or mass effect in the posterior fossa

MRI images

Anterior quadrangular lobule (HV) of Cerebellum mri sag image -img-00000-00000