The teleost fish

Abstract

In vertebrates, the basic structure of the central nervous systems, including the cerebellum, is conserved from mammals to teleosts. The cerebellum of teleost fi sh is subdivided into three parts: the corpus cerebelli, valvula cerebelli, and vestibulolateral lobe. Although the existence of basket cells remains unconfi rmed, the teleost cerebellum possesses intra cerebellar neurons that are similar to those of other vertebrates. Additionally, there are similarities in the pattern of connectivity of these neurons and the neurotransmitters that are used. In the teleost cerebellum, the structure corresponding to the deep cerebellar nuclei is absent. Instead, the teleost cerebellar efferent neurons do not make clusters and are distributed within the ganglionic layer, which is equivalent to the Purkinje cell layer of other vertebrates. Efferent neurons use excitatory neurotransmitters and project their axons outside of the cerebellum. These efferent neurons are unique to the teleost cerebellum, so a detailed understanding of their structure and function may yield important clues about the evolution and function of the teleost cerebellum. Afferent and efferent fi ber connection patterns suggest that the basic functions of the teleost cerebellum are similar to those of other vertebrates, but each subdivision of the teleost cerebellum is functionally separated. The functional role of the teleost cerebellum is still not fully understood, but research suggests that the teleost cerebellum has an important role in the execution of swimming gait and emotional learning.