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Topic

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Posterior lobe of cerebellum

The posterior lobe of the cerebellum, also known as the neocerebellum, is the largest and most recently evolved part of the cerebellum. It is situated between the primary fissure (separating it from the anterior lobe) and the posterolateral fissure (separating it from the flocculonodular lobe). The posterior lobe plays a key role in the coordination of voluntary motor activity, fine motor control, and cognitive functions. It receives significant input from the cerebral cortex via the pontine nuclei, making it critical for the modulation and planning of complex motor movements.

Synonyms

  • Neocerebellum

  • Middle lobe of cerebellum

  • Posterior lobe

Arterial Supply

  • Mainly supplied by the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA)

  • Superior parts may receive branches from the Superior Cerebellar Artery (SCA)

  • Additional minor supply from the Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA)

Venous Drainage

  • Drained primarily by the Superior and Inferior Cerebellar Veins

  • These veins ultimately drain into the straight, transverse, and sigmoid sinuses

Functions

  • Coordination of voluntary motor activity, especially fine and skilled movements

  • Regulation of muscle tone and posture

  • Modulation of motor commands from the cerebral cortex

  • Contribution to motor learning and cognitive functions (planning, timing, and prediction of movements)

MRI Appearance

  • On T1-weighted images: Appears isointense to slightly hypointense compared to the cerebral cortex

  • On T2-weighted images: Shows hyperintense signal of the cerebellar cortex, with hypointense white matter

  • Clearly visualized folia and fissures separating lobules

  • Posterior lobe appears as the largest, posteriorly located part of the cerebellum, extending from the primary to the posterolateral fissure

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a homogenous, slightly hypodense structure compared to the supratentorial brain

  • Cerebellar cortex and white matter distinction is less clear compared to MRI

  • Posterior lobe forms the majority of the visible cerebellar mass on axial and coronal cuts, posterior to the fourth ventricle

MRI images

Posterior lobe of cerebellum MRI 3T image

CT image

Posterior lobe of cerebellum CT sag anatomy image -img-00001-00001