A medical student studying the cerebellum notes that the deep cerebellar nuclei project to upper motor neurons via the superior cerebellar peduncle. After decussation in the midbrain, which thalamic nucleus relays cerebellar output to the motor cortex?

• A Ventral posterolateral (VPL) nucleus
• B Ventral anterior (VA) nucleus
• C Pulvinar
• D Ventral lateral (VL) nucleus ✓

Explanation

Cerebellar output from the dentate nucleus travels via the superior cerebellar peduncle, decussates in the decussation of the brachium conjunctivum in the midbrain, and synapses in the ventral lateral (VL) nucleus of the thalamus. VL relays to the primary motor cortex (area 4). VPL carries somatosensory input; VA also relays cerebellar and basal ganglia signals to premotor cortex but the primary cerebellar relay is VL; pulvinar serves visual association.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.