Middle cerebellar peduncle

The middle cerebellar peduncle (or brachium pontis ) is a paired structure of the brain. It connects the pons to the cerebellum, with fibres originating from the pontine nucleus and travelling to the opposite hemisphere of the cerebellar cortex. 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 hemisphere of the cerebellar cortex.

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.