Middle cerebellar peduncle
The middle cerebellar peduncles, also known as the brachium pontis, are paired structures connecting the cerebellum to the pons.
Gross anatomy
The middle cerebellar peduncles contain afferent white matter projection fibers which originate in contralateral pontine nuclei. The corticopontocerebellar pathway is the predominant afferent fiber pathway that passes through the MCP. The corticopontocerebellar pathway itself is involved in the communication between the cerebellum and the prefrontal cortex for the coordination and planning of motor tasks.
Blood supply
The middle cerebellar peduncles receive their arterial blood supply through branches of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the superior cerebellar artery.
Venous drainage occurs mainly through veins of the anterior (petrosal) posterior fossa group which empty into the sigmoid and inferior petrosal sinuses.
Clinical presentation
Diseases affecting the middle cerebellar peduncles present with clinical signs ipsilateral to the MCP lesion. This is a result of the dual decussation of cerebellar pathways .
Radiographic features and related pathology
