The middle cerebellar peduncle (or **brachium pontis **) is one of three paired cerebellar peduncles connecting the brainstem to the cerebellum. The connection is from the pons. It connects the pons to the cerebellum, with fibres originating from the pontine nuclei, and travelling to the opposite cerebellar hemisphere. It is supplied by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and branches from the basilar artery. It conveys information from the cerebrum and the pons to the cerebellum.

Structure

The middle cerebellar peduncle is the largest of the three cerebellar peduncles. It connects the pons and cerebellum. It consists almost entirely of fibers passing from the pons to the cerebellum (fibrocerebellar fibers); the fibers arise from the pontine nuclei and decussate within the pons before entering the peduncle to end in the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) arises from the lateral pons very close to the middle cerebellar peduncle.

Blood supply

The middle cerebellar peduncle is supplied by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), as well as smaller branches from the basilar artery.

Clinical significance

Infarction of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) can damage the middle cerebellar peduncle. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma may spread from the pons into the middle cerebellar peduncle.

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