Uvula of vermis

At a glance

English

Uvula of vermis

Latin (TA2)

Uvula vermis

System

Brain and spinal cord

Region

Head

Side

Single, on the midline

About the uvula of vermis

The uvula is a segment of the inferior vermis, the midline strip on the underside of the cerebellum. It is lobule IX in the numbered scheme and takes its name from its shape: in a midline section it hangs down like a small tongue, much as the uvula of the palate does.

Its upper and front boundary is the secondary fissure, which separates it from the pyramis. Below and behind it lies the posterolateral fissure, and beyond that the nodule, which belongs to the flocculonodular lobe. On each side the uvula is joined to the tonsil of the cerebellum, its hemispheric counterpart, and the two tonsils lie close against it on either side. The uvula projects into the roof of the fourth ventricle from behind and lies in the vallecula, above the cisterna magna.

The uvula sits between the spinocerebellar vermis above and the vestibular nodule below, and it shares in the work of both. Together with the nodule it receives vestibular input and helps control eye movements and the sense of head orientation in relation to gravity. It also takes part in the control of posture.

Because the uvula and nodule lie in the roof of the fourth ventricle, tumours in this region, particularly medulloblastoma in children, often involve them early. The result is an unsteady trunk and gait, nystagmus, and signs of raised pressure if the tumour blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The uvula is supplied by vermian branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Function and supply

Function

Shares in vestibular control of eye movements and head orientation, and in the control of posture.

Blood supply

Vermian branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.