Posterior Lobe of the Cerebellum

lobus posterior cerebelli

The posterior lobe is the largest part of the cerebellum, lying between the primary fissure and the posterolateral fissure. Much of it receives input from the cerebral cortex through the pons, and it is involved in planning and timing skilled voluntary movements as well as some cognitive and emotional functions.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Connections

Location	Most of the cerebellum, behind the primary fissure and above the posterolateral fissure, including much of the inferior surface
Parts	Declive Folium Tuber Pyramis Uvula Simple lobule Ansiform lobule (crus I and II) Paramedian lobule Biventral lobule Cerebellar tonsils
Connections	Pontine nuclei via the middle cerebellar peduncle (corticopontocerebellar pathway) Dentate nucleus Inferior olive (climbing fibres) Thalamus and prefrontal and motor cortex (via the dentate nucleus)
Blood Supply	Superior cerebellar artery; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery; Anterior inferior cerebellar artery

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Coordinates and times skilled limb movements and speech, and contributes to planning, working memory, language and emotional regulation.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Lesions of the posterior lobe hemispheres cause limb ataxia and slurred, scanning speech. Damage to its lateral and posterior parts can also cause cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome, with problems in executive function, spatial skills, language and personality. Children recovering from posterior fossa tumour surgery may develop cerebellar mutism.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome

Executive, language, visuospatial and emotional changes after damage to the posterior lobe of the cerebellum.

Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome

Temporary loss of speech with irritability that can follow posterior fossa tumour surgery in children.

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