Comparative Anatomy of the Thalamus

Abstract

It is intended to present in this report a survey of the comparative anatomy of the cerebellum, by way of introduction to this meeting which will be devoted almost entirely to the structure and function of the mammalian cerebellum. With regard to proportionate size and shape the cerebellum is doubtless the most variable part of the central nervous system, and its histological structure is also subject to considerable differences among the various groups of vertebrates. It will be clear, therefore, that within the limits set for this report only a schematic picture of the evolutionary development of the cerebellum can be drawn. In the first part of the following account some general information on the development and structure of the cerebellum will be provided. Special attention will be paid here to J. B. Johnston's classical conception of the origin of the cerebellum, and to the fundamental pattern of this brain part, as described by Larsell. Following these introductory notes the structure and connexions of the cerebellum in the various groups of submammalian vertebrates will be briefly considered. In the final section of this paper the main results will be surveyed, and some general comments will be presented.