Organization of the cerebellum: correlating biochemistry, physiology and anatomy in the ventral uvula of pigeons

• Author / Creator

  Graham, David

• The fundamental unit of organization in the cerebellum is the parasagittal zone, which can be seen in anatomical connections, physiological response properties, and molecular composition. This parasagittal arrangement is evolutionarily conserved and appears necessary for information processing. However, the relationship between these parasagittal zones and cerebellar function remains unclear. The goal of this thesis is to relate the zonal organization of various features involved in visual motion processing in the vestibulocerebellum by using immunochemical, electrophysiological and neuroanatomical techniques. Zebrin II (aldolase C) is heterogeneously expressed by Purkinje cells in alternating sagittal stripes of high and low (or no) expression. We demonstrate a clear relationship between zebrin II stripes, Purkinje cell response properties, and the visual climbing fibre afferents to the medial vestibulocerebellum. By examining the molecular, anatomical and physiological basis of parasagittal zones, we can uncover the basic principle of organization and function of the cerebellum.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Acoustic nerve--Animal models
  • Pigeons--Physiology
  • Cerebellum--Animal models
  • Cerebellar cortex--Research
  • Motion perception (Vision)--Molecular aspects
  • Uvula--Animal models

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3B894

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.