Neurophysiology and special senses: midline cerebellar lesion: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology and special senses: midline cerebellar lesion

Sample item

A 5-year-old child with a midline posterior fossa tumour sways on standing and walks with a wide base, but finger-to-nose testing is normal. Which part of the cerebellum is involved?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Vermis and flocculonodular region

The vermis and flocculonodular lobe control the axial muscles, posture and balance. Their damage produces truncal ataxia and a broad-based gait, while limb coordination is spared. Hemispheric lesions cause ipsilateral limb ataxia.

Option by option

  • A. Vermis and flocculonodular region (correct)

    Correct. Midline damage causes truncal ataxia with preserved limb coordination.

  • B. Red nucleus

    The red nucleus is a midbrain structure and is not part of the cerebellum.

  • C. Lateral cerebellar hemisphere

    Hemispheric damage produces limb ataxia and intention tremor, which are absent here.

  • D. Dentate nucleus

    The dentate nucleus relays hemispheric output and its damage causes limb ataxia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Vermis and flocculonodular region. The vermis and flocculonodular lobe control the axial muscles, posture and balance.

Why is "Red nucleus" not the answer?

The red nucleus is a midbrain structure and is not part of the cerebellum.

Why is "Lateral cerebellar hemisphere" not the answer?

Hemispheric damage produces limb ataxia and intention tremor, which are absent here.

Why is "Dentate nucleus" not the answer?

The dentate nucleus relays hemispheric output and its damage causes limb ataxia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology and special senses: midline cerebellar lesion in Physiology. Their damage produces truncal ataxia and a broad-based gait, while limb coordination is spared. Hemispheric lesions cause ipsilateral limb ataxia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology and special senses: midline cerebellar lesion?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.