The Cerebellum: Brain for an Implicit Self

4. Input and Output Pathways in the Cerebellar Cortex

4-1. Introduction

We are now ready to begin decomposing neuronal circuits in the cerebellar cortex into component neurons and examining them one by one. This exercise provides the basis for considering principles operating in these circuits and also for testing the validity of thus-far-derived hypotheses, which are discussed in later chapters. The focus in this chapter is on the neuronal elements that comprise the input and output interactions with the cerebellar cortex via mossy fibers, granule cells, and Purkinje cells. Unipolar brush cells and beaded fibers are also considered.

4-2. Mossy Fibers

Mossy fibers are the most numerous afferent fibers that reach the cerebellar cortex through ...