The descending fibers from the [[internal capsule]] continue on through the midbrain and are then seen as the fibers in the cerebral peduncles.<ref>{{cite book|last1=HENDELMAN|first1=WALTER J.|title=Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy|publisher=CRC Press LLC|url=http://medfile.ir/iran%20anatomy%20files/text/WALTER%20-%20Atlas%20of%20functional%20neuroanatomy%20(www.irananatomy.ir).pdf|accessdate=26 November 2015}}</ref> The superior, middle, and inferior cerebral peduncles connect the brain stem to the cerebellum. The superior peduncle connects the cerebellum to the midbrain, while the middle peduncle connects the pons to the cerebellum. The middle peduncle is the largest of the peduncles.<ref name="Swenson 2006">{{cite book|last1=Swenson|first1=Rand S.|title=Review of Clinical and Functional Neuroscience|publisher=Swenson 2006|location=Chapter 8B|url=https://www.dartmouth.edu/~rswenson/NeuroSci/index.html|accessdate=26 November 2015}}</ref> The inferior peduncle connects the medulla to the cerebellum. In terms of input and output signals, the middle and inferior peduncles are the primary peduncles for input information. While output from the cerebellum is via the superior peduncle.<ref name="Swenson 2006"/> The superior peduncle also connects the [[Interposed nucleus|interposed nuclei]] to the [[red nucleus]], as well as the [[dentate nucleus]] to the [[Thalamus|ventral lateral nucleus of the thalamus]] which relays to the cerebral motor cortex.<ref name="Swenson 2006"/>

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Superior peduncle (brachium conjunctivum) !! Middle peduncle (brachium pontis) !! Inferior peduncle (restiform body)

|-

|Coordination of the arms and legs, as well as transportation of information from the cerebellum to the midbrain and pons. Acts primarily as output from the cerebellum.|| Originates at the pontine nuclei. There are three types of nervous tissue: superior, inferior, and deep. Connects the pons to the cerebellum, assists in the intention for motor control. Largest of the peduncles, acts primarily as an input to the cerebellum. || Responsible for proprioceptive information. Accomplishes this by connecting the cerebellum to the medulla. Acts primarily as an input to the cerebellum.

|}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Josiah|first1=Andy|title=What are Cerebellar Peduncles?|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-cerebellar-peduncles.htm|website=wiseGEEK|publisher=2003-2015 Conjecture Corporation|accessdate=26 November 2015}}</ref>

===Fiber tracts===

The contralateral red nucleus is the origin for the [[rubrospinal]] tract whose main function is to influence limb flexor muscles. The superior cerebellar peduncle facilitates the connection between the interposed nuclei and the [[red nucleus]]. The [[pontine nuclei]] exclusively connect to the cerebellum via the middle peduncle forming the cortico- pontine tract.<ref name="Swenson 2006"/> The cortico-pontine fibers are found in the outer and inner third of the cerebral peduncle, these are the cortical input to the pontine nuclei.<ref>{{cite book|last1=HENDELMAN|first1=WALTER J.|title=Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy|publisher=CRC Press LLC|url=http://medfile.ir/iran%20anatomy%20files/text/WALTER%20-%20Atlas%20of%20functional%20neuroanatomy%20(www.irananatomy.ir).pdf|accessdate=26 November 2015}}</ref> The cortico-bulbar and cortico-spinal fibers are found in the middle third of the cerebral peduncle.<ref>{{cite book|last1=HENDELMAN|first1=WALTER J.|title=Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy|publisher=CRC Press LLC|url=http://medfile.ir/iran%20anatomy%20files/text/WALTER%20-%20Atlas%20of%20functional%20neuroanatomy%20(www.irananatomy.ir).pdf|accessdate=26 November 2015}}</ref> The cortico-spinal tract exits the internal capsule and is seen in the mid portion of the cerebral peduncles.

===Cranial nerves===

Cranial nerve 5 ([[trigeminal nerve]]) is attached along the middle cerebral peduncle. Cranial nerve 3 ([[oculomotor nerve]]) appears ventrally between the two cerebral peduncles in the interpeduncular [[fossa]]. Cranial nerve 4 ([[trochlear nerve]]) wraps around the lowest part of the cerebral peduncle.<ref>{{cite book|last1=HENDELMAN|first1=WALTER J.|title=Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy|publisher=CRC Press LLC|url=http://medfile.ir/iran%20anatomy%20files/text/WALTER%20-%20Atlas%20of%20functional%20neuroanatomy%20(www.irananatomy.ir).pdf|accessdate=26 November 2015}}</ref>

==Additional images==

<gallery>

File:Gray677.png|Scheme showing the connections of the several parts of the brain.

File:Gray684.png|Deep dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.

File:Gray705.png|Dissection showing the projection fibers of the cerebellum.

File:Gray720.png|Median sagittal section of brain.

File:Gray773.png|The left optic nerve and the optic tracts.

File:Gray792.png|Upper part of medulla spinalis and hind- and mid-brains; posterior aspect, exposed in situ.

File:Human brainstem anterior view 2 description.JPG|Human brainstem anterior view

</gallery>

==See also==

* [[list of regions in the human brain|Regions in the human brain]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

* [http://thalamus.wustl.edu/course/cor6.gif Diagram]

* [http://mail.biocfarm.unibo.it/aunsnc/3dobjl7.html Diagram]

* [http://137.204.242.20/aunsnc/pictefl27.html Photo]

* [https://www.neuinfo.org/mynif/search.php?q=Cerebral%20Peduncle&t=data&s=cover&b=0&r=20 NIF Search - Cerebral Peduncle] via the [[Neuroscience Information Framework]]

{{Mesencephalon}}

[[Category:Cerebrum]]