In the cerebellar cortex, the Purkinje cell axons project exclusively to which structure as the primary output pathway of the cerebellum?

• A Red nucleus directly
• B Inferior olivary nucleus
• C Vestibular nuclei only
• D Deep cerebellar nuclei (dentate, interposed, fastigial) ✓

Explanation

Purkinje cells are the sole output of the cerebellar cortex and they project exclusively to the deep cerebellar nuclei (dentate, emboliform, globose, fastigial) or to the vestibular nuclei for the flocculonodular lobe. Purkinje cells are inhibitory (GABA-ergic); they tonically inhibit the deep nuclei. Output from deep nuclei projects via the superior cerebellar peduncle (brachium conjunctivum) to the red nucleus and thalamus. The inferior olivary nucleus sends climbing fibres TO the cerebellum, not receiving output from Purkinje cells.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.