A patient with a lesion of the dentate nucleus (emboliform, globose, fastigial — together the deep cerebellar nuclei) would show ipsilateral cerebellar signs. The dentate nucleus projects via the superior cerebellar peduncle to the contralateral:
- A Inferior olivary nucleus
- B Pontine nuclei
- C Red nucleus and thalamus (VL nucleus) ✓
- D Spinal cord (via rubrospinal tract)
Correct answer: C. Red nucleus and thalamus (VL nucleus)
Explanation
The dentate nucleus (largest deep cerebellar nucleus) projects axons via the superior cerebellar peduncle (brachium conjunctivum) that decussate in the midbrain and synapse on the contralateral red nucleus (for motor coordination) and the ventrolateral (VL) nucleus of the thalamus (which projects to the motor cortex). This pathway explains why cerebellar lesions cause ipsilateral limb ataxia — the pathway crosses twice (once at the superior peduncle, once at the corticospinal level).
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.