Basal Ganglia Quiz: Cerebellum & Brain Function Questions

Study Notes

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is one of three brain areas contributing to coordination of movement, along with the motor cortex and basal ganglia.
Despite its importance in movement coordination, the cerebellum does not play a primary role in sensory or motor function.
If the cerebellum is destroyed, it does not lead to loss of sensation or paralysis, but causes devastating changes in movement performance.
The cerebellum acts as a regulator of motor output, comparing intention with performance to compensate for errors.

Anatomy of the Cerebellum

The cerebellum has three main divisions: Flocculonodular Lobe, Vermis and Intermediate Hemispheres, and Lateral Hemispheres.
The Flocculonodular Lobe (vestibulocerebellum) receives inputs from visual and vestibular systems and controls axial muscles for equilibrium.
Dysfunction in this system leads to ataxic gait, wide-based stance, and nystagmus.
The Vermis and Intermediate Hemispheres (spinocerebellum) receive proprioceptive, cutaneous, visual, vestibular, and auditory inputs.
The spinocerebellum controls the execution of movement, corrects for deviations, and modulates muscle tone.
Lesions in the spinocerebellum lead to hypotonia (low muscle tone).
The Lateral Hemispheres (cerebrocerebellar) receive inputs from the cerebral cortex and are involved in planning and preparation of movement, and evaluation of sensory information for action.

Basal Ganglia

The basal ganglia complex consists of five nuclei: Putamen, Caudate Nucleus, Globus Pallidus, Subthalamic Nucleus, and Substantia Nigra.
The basal ganglia contribute to both preparation and execution of movement, selectively activating some movements while suppressing others.
Diseases affecting the basal ganglia can produce poverty and slowness of movement, disorders of muscle tone and postural reflexes, such as Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease symptoms include resting tremor, increased muscle tone or rigidity, slowness in movement initiation (akinesia), and execution (bradykinesia).
Other diseases of the basal ganglia produce involuntary movements (dyskinesia), such as Chorea, Athetoses, and Dystonia.

Functional Differences between Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum

The basal ganglia are concerned with internally generated movements, whereas the cerebellum is involved in visually triggered and guided movements.
The cerebellum is more focused on the execution of movement, while the basal ganglia are more involved in the preparation and planning of movement.

Description

Test your knowledge about the cerebellum and basal ganglia with this quiz by Prof. Mahmoud Samir Mohamed. Learn about the important role of the cerebellum in movement coordination and how lesions can impact function.