Direct projections from the cerebellar nuclei to the superior colliculus in the rabbit: an HRP study.

Abstract

Cerebellar projections to the superior colliculus in the rabbit were studied by the anterograde and retrograde HRP methods. Cerebellotectal fibers arise mainly from the anterior and posterior interpositus nuclei and terminate contralaterally in layer VII, layer VI, layer V, and the deep tier of layer IV of the superior colliculus. Cerebellotectal fibers from the posterior interpositus nucleus originate from the lateral part of the nucleus and end chiefly in the caudal part of the superior colliculus. Cerebellotectal fibers from the anterior interpositus nucleus arise from the ventral part of the nucleus and terminate mainly in the rostromedial part of the superior colliculus. Some neurons in the lateral cerebellar nucleus also send fibers contralaterally to the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus, especially to its rostral and lateral parts. Few, if any, cerebellotectal fibers arise from the medial cerebellar nucleus.