Possible pathways for cerebellar modulation of autonomic responses: micturition

Experimental and clinical studies have shown that the cerebellum participates in the regulation of various visceral responses, including micturition. It is not yet clear through which parts of the central nervous system such cerebellar influences are mediated. However, a series of investigations have shown that the cerebellum is directly or indirectly connected to various centres that appear to be involved in autonomic control. These include parts of the cerebral cortex, the hypothalamus, the periaquaductal grey, nuclei in and around the pontine micturition centre, the dorsal vagal nucleus and nucleus of the solitary tract, and the medullary reticular formation. This article examines some of the circuits that may be involved in cerebellar modulation of visceral reflexes, especially the micturition reflex.