Nucleus · one in each half of the brain
Fastigial nucleus
The innermost cerebellar nucleus, keeping your body balanced and your gaze on target.
The fastigial nucleus is the deep nucleus closest to the middle of the cerebellum. It takes the output of the vermis and the balance lobe and sends it on to the brainstem. From there, its signals steady your posture, balance and walking. It also helps your fast eye movements land precisely.
Where it is
Deep inside the cerebellum, right next to the midline, just above the fourth ventricle. It is the innermost of the three pairs of deep nuclei.
What it does
Balance
It sends signals to balance centers in the brainstem to keep you upright.
Posture and walking
It steadies your trunk and helps keep your walking rhythm smooth.
Accurate eye jumps
It helps quick eye movements stop exactly on target, not too early and not too late.
Body responses
In animal studies, stimulating it can quickly raise blood pressure, hinting that it also helps adjust the body.
Think of it as a tightrope coach, calling out tiny adjustments so you never tip over.
Works with
- Cerebellar vermisThe vermis sends its signals out of the cerebellum through the fastigial nucleus.
- Flocculonodular lobePart of the balance lobe's output also passes through here.
- Medulla oblongataIt reaches balance and posture centers in the lower brainstem.
- Spinal cordThrough brainstem pathways, its commands reach the spinal cord to steady your trunk and leg muscles.
- Superior colliculusBoth help aim quick glances: this midbrain center launches them, and the fastigial nucleus helps them stop on target.
When it goes wrong
Unsteady body
Damage causes swaying, falling and a wobbly, wide-legged walk.
Off-target eyes
Quick eye movements may overshoot or fall short, so the eyes need extra little jumps to find their target.
For learning only, not medical advice. If you have a health concern, talk to a doctor.
Surprising facts
- It is thought to be the oldest of the three deep nuclei in evolution, matching the ancient job of balance.
Where the name comes from
From Latin "fastigium", the name anatomists give to the pointed peak of the roof of the fourth ventricle, a fluid-filled space in the brainstem. The nucleus sits just above it.
Quick quiz
3 questions. Your answers are saved and come back in your daily review.
Which of these is a job of the fastigial nucleus?
Show the answer
Balance. It sends signals to balance centers in the brainstem to keep you upright.
Balance. It sends signals to balance centers in the brainstem to keep you upright.
The fastigial nucleus is part of which larger structure?
Show the answer
Deep cerebellar nuclei. It belongs to the deep cerebellar nuclei.
Deep cerebellar nuclei. It belongs to the deep cerebellar nuclei.
Which part fits this description? "Like a tightrope coach, calling out tiny adjustments so you never tip over."
Show the answer
Fastigial nucleus. It is the fastigial nucleus. The innermost cerebellar nucleus, keeping your body balanced and your gaze on target.
Fastigial nucleus. It is the fastigial nucleus. The innermost cerebellar nucleus, keeping your body balanced and your gaze on target.
These parts now come back in your daily review, just before you would forget them.
Practice it and its neighbors in 3DSources
- Neuroanatomy, Nucleus Fastigial, StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf
- Fourth ventricle, Radiopaedia
- Cerebellar Dysfunction, StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf
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