An electrophysiological study of the cerebellar projections to the nucleus ventralis lateralis of thalamus in the cat. I. Nuclei fastigii et interpositus

Stimulation of nucleus fastigii and interpositus of the cerebellum of the cat under chloralose anaesthesia evokes non‐relayed responses in the thalamic region including and surrounding n. ventralis lateralis (VL). Monosynaptic responses to stimulation of nucleus interpositus are only contralateral whereas those of n. fastigii are bilateral. Responses to fastigial stimulation appear in an area restricted to VL and n. ventralis medialis, contralateral projections being much more extensive than homolateral. Projections of n. interpositus extend widely upon VL and n. ventralis anterior encroaching on a small rostral area of nucleus ventralis posterolateralis; some fiber responses are also recorded up to a capsular zone close to globus pallidus. The results of the current study are discussed with regard to the data from anatomical and physiological literature.