Superior medullary velum

The Superior Medullary Velum (also known as the valvula cerebelli or white cerebellum) is a thin, white, semitransparent membrane, which stretches between the superior cerebellar peduncles and connects the two cerebellar hemispheres together. It forms the upper part of the roof of the fourth ventricle of the brain.

Anatomy

The Superior Medullary Velum is a part of the cerebellum, which is the region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. It is located in the posterior cranial fossa of the skull. The Superior Medullary Velum is a thin, white, semitransparent membrane that stretches between the superior cerebellar peduncles, which are large bundles of nerve fibers that connect the cerebellum to the brainstem.

Superior Medullary Velum (shown in red)

Function

The Superior Medullary Velum plays a crucial role in the conduction of nerve impulses from the cerebellum to other parts of the brain. It also forms part of the roof of the fourth ventricle, which is one of the four connected fluid-filled cavities within the human brain. These ventricles are part of the ventricular system through which cerebrospinal fluid circulates.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Superior Medullary Velum can result in a variety of neurological disorders, including Ataxia, a condition characterized by a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements.

See Also

• Inferior Medullary Velum
• Cerebellum
• Fourth Ventricle
• Ataxia

External Links

• Anatomy Atlases - Anatomic Variants

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