Point 6 Intro Pathway Deficits Note Overview Problems Contents Anatomy

Cells in the inferior olivary complex project to the contralateral cerebellar cortex via the inferior cerebellar peduncle (or restiform body). Upon reaching the cerebellar cortex, they end as "CLIMBING FIBERS" (they "climb up" the Purkinje cells). Climbing fibers arise solely from the inferior olive. Other endings seen in the cerebellar cortex are called mossy fibers. Mossy fibers do not arise from the inferior olive, but rather from places like Clarke's column and the accessory cuneate nucleus. Thus, axons in the dorsal spinocerebellar and cuneocerebellar tracts end as "mossy fibers". Inputs to the inferior olive will be discussed under "Cerebellum".