Posterior Fossa

Overview

The posterior fossa contains the cerebellum, brainstem and 4th ventricle and is separated from the supratentorial compartment by the tentorium.

The Cerebellum

The cerebellum, or "little brain", is important in helping to coordinate fine muscle control as well as unconscious coordination. The cerebellum consists of two cerebellar hemispheres that are connected in the middle by the vermis. The inferior tips of the cerebellar hemispheres are referred to as the cerebellar tonsils.

The Brainstem

The brain stem is divided into 3 levels: the Midbrain (mesencephalon), the Pons and Medulla oblongata. The brainstem is important as it carries a number of important motor and sensory tracts, cranial nerve nuclei as well as centers important in controlling respiration and circulation.