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Central lobule (II & III) of Cerebellum

The central lobule, comprising lobules II (superior posterior) and III (inferior posterior) of the anterior cerebellar lobe, is located in the vermal region of the cerebellum, just anterior to the primary fissure. It forms part of the vermis, the midline structure connecting the two cerebellar hemispheres. The central lobule is primarily involved in coordination of axial muscles, postural control, and fine motor regulation of the trunk.

It is bounded laterally by the paravermian zone, superiorly by the precentral fissure, and inferiorly merges with lobule IV. This region is supplied by the superior cerebellar artery (SCA), with minor contributions from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in some individuals.

Function

  • Coordinates axial and proximal muscle movements

  • Maintains postural balance and equilibrium

  • Integrates sensory input from the spinal cord for trunk stability

  • Contributes to fine motor control of gait and posture

Synonyms

  • Lobules II & III of anterior vermis

  • Superior and inferior central vermal lobules

  • Vermal central lobule

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Central lobule appears isointense to slightly hypointense relative to surrounding white matter

  • Gray matter of the lobule is intermediate signal, while white matter (arbor vitae) is slightly hyperintense

  • Useful for anatomical delineation and detection of structural malformations or atrophy

T2-weighted images:

  • Gray matter of the central lobule appears intermediate to slightly hyperintense

  • White matter (arbor vitae) is hypointense relative to gray matter

  • Pathological changes such as degeneration, infarction, or demyelination may appear hyperintense

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Normal central lobule gray matter is low-intermediate signal

  • Edema, inflammation, or infarcts appear hyperintense, highlighting acute or subacute pathology

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced):

  • Normally, central lobule does not enhance significantly

  • Abnormal enhancement may indicate tumor, abscess, demyelinating lesion, or post-surgical changes

CT Appearance:

  • Central lobule appears as gray matter density within the midline anterior vermis

  • White matter arbor vitae is slightly lower density, providing internal contrast

  • CT is less sensitive than MRI for fine vermal detail but useful for hemorrhage, calcification, or mass lesions

MRI images

Central lobule (II & III) mri sag image -img-00000-00000