## Cerebellar Anatomy and Function ### Major Cerebellar Divisions The cerebellum is divided into three functional regions based on their phylogenetic origin and motor control roles: | Division | Percentage of Cerebellum | Primary Function | Motor Control | |----------|-------------------------|------------------|---------------| | **Cerebellar Hemispheres** | ~80% | Coordination of voluntary movements, fine motor control | Distal limb muscles, skilled movements | | **Vermis** | ~10% | Axial and proximal muscle control, posture, balance | Trunk and proximal limbs | | **Flocculonodular Lobe** | ~10% | Vestibular control, eye movements, balance | Gaze stabilization, equilibrium | ### Key Point: **The cerebellar hemispheres are the largest and most recently evolved component**, comprising approximately 80% of the total cerebellar volume. They receive input primarily from the cerebral cortex via pontocerebellar pathways and project back to motor cortex through the dentate nucleus and thalamus. ### High-Yield: The cerebellar hemispheres mediate **ipsilateral** coordination of voluntary movements because of the double decussation of cerebellar output (once in the superior cerebellar peduncle and again in the pyramidal decussation). ### Clinical Pearl: Lesions of the cerebellar hemispheres produce **ipsilateral dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, and intention tremor** — classic signs of cerebellar dysfunction affecting fine motor control.
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