The Dentate Nucleus and Its Projection System in the Human Cerebellum

Abstract

The DN represents an important anatomic structure in surgical interventions involving the posterior fossa, particularly in the elderly because of the common occurrence of atrophy-related problems in this age group. Functionally and anatomically, the DN is closely related to the superior and middle cerebellar peduncles. The inferior cerebellar peduncle poses positional risks because it follows an anterior and superior course relative to the DN. The telovelar approach is a safer procedure for interventions involving the pathological lesions of the fourth ventricle floor.

Laterality of cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways in a healthy right‐handed population: A diffusion tensor imaging study

“…Fibers from the premotor cortex, primary motor cortex, and associated sensory cortex project to the pontine nucleus and further project to the contralateral cerebellum via the MCP (Figure a) (Kamali et al, ; Keser et al, ). The CPCT transfers information for coordinating voluntary motor activity and timing to the dentate nucleus (Akakin et al, ). The DRTCT is a major cerebellar efferent pathway connecting the dentate nucleus and contralateral motor cortices in a tri‐synaptic manner.…”

“…The DRTCT is a major cerebellar efferent pathway connecting the dentate nucleus and contralateral motor cortices in a tri‐synaptic manner. Fibers from the dentate nucleus pass through the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), and project to the contralateral red nucleus and the ventrolateral thalamus while crossing at the decussation of SCP, and finally project to the premotor, supplementary motor, and primary motor cortices (Figure b) (Akakin et al, ; Grimaldi et al, ). DRTCT plays a role in the planning of complex coordinated movements (Akakin et al, ).…”

“…Fibers from the dentate nucleus pass through the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), and project to the contralateral red nucleus and the ventrolateral thalamus while crossing at the decussation of SCP, and finally project to the premotor, supplementary motor, and primary motor cortices (Figure b) (Akakin et al, ; Grimaldi et al, ). DRTCT plays a role in the planning of complex coordinated movements (Akakin et al, ). The CPCT and DRTCT are responsible for fine‐tuning the execution of voluntary movements, and for the acquisition of motor skills (Grimaldi et al, ; Liang et al, ; Roberts, Bain, Day, & Husain, ; Schulz et al, ).…”

Tractographical model of the cortico‐basal ganglia and corticothalamic connections

“…Furthermore, the tensor model has shown acceptable reliability in generating white matter pathways, as validated by dissection studies of post‐mortem brains. However, the most reliable method for validating tractography results in vivo is by neurophysiology, which has been shown to be feasible and reliable during deep brain stimulation and tumor surgery (refs) (Lawes et al, ; Fernandez‐Miranda et al, ; Akakin et al, ; Avecillas‐Chasin et al, ).…”

A case of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity

“…Bilaterally symmetrical high FLAIR signal abnormality within the cerebellar dentate nuclei was demonstrated on MRI. The dentate nuclei are the largest of the major deep cerebellar nuclei and are involved in planning and control of voluntary movements 1. Signal abnormality within this region is a rare but well-documented feature of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in patients on prolonged therapy 2.…”