Flocculonodular lobe | |
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![]() Schematic representation of the major anatomical subdivisions of the cerebellum. Superior view of an "unrolled" cerebellum, placing the vermis in one plane. | |
![]() Basal view of a human brain | |
Identifiers | |
NeuroNames | 679 |
NeuroLex ID | birnlex_904 |
TA98 | A14.1.07.301 |
TA2 | 5799 |
FMA | 72253 |
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy |
The flocculonodular lobe (vestibulocerebellum) is one of the lobes of the cerebellum. It is a small lobe consisting of the unpaired midline nodule and the two flocculi - one flocculus on either side of the nodule. The lobe is involved in maintaining posture and balance as well as coordinating head-eye movements.[1]
The lobe is functionally associated with the vestibular system and is therefore also referred to as the vestibulocerebellum. It receives second-order fiber afferents from the vestibular nuclei as well as direct first-order afferents from the vestibular ganglion/nerve (the only region of the cerebellum to do so).[1]
The lobe in turn projects efferents back to the vestibular nuclei which in turn give rise or project to: the lateral vestibulospinal tracts which maintain posture and balance by regulating tone of the axial and proximal limb extensor mucles (i.e. the antigravity muscles); the medial vestibulospinal tracts which regulate the tone of neck muscles; and the medial longitudinal fasciculi which coordinates head-eye movements (vestibuloocular reflex).[1]