Fastigial nucleus

The nucleus fastigius is located in the cerebellum. It is made up of the nucleus dentatus, nucleus emboliformis, nucleus globosus, and nucleus fastigii, and is grey matter embedded in the white matter of the cerebellum.

The fastigial nucleus or nucleus fastigii refers specifically to the concentration of gray matter nearest to the middle line at the anterior end of the superior vermis, and immediately over the roof of the fourth ventricle, from which it is separated by a thin layer of white matter. It is smaller than the nucleus dentatus, but somewhat larger than the nucleus emboliformis and nucleus globosus, the other two independent centers of gray matter in the cerebellum.

The fastigial nucleus receives its afferent input from the flocculonodular lobe and the vermis. Most of its efferent connections travel via the inferior cerebellar peduncle to the vestibular nuclei, which is located at the junction of the pons and medulla.

The fastigial nucleus deals with antigravity muscle groups and other synergies involved with standing and walking.

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