Participation of the caudal cerebellar lobule IX to the dorsal attentional network.

Background: We seeked for specific cerebellar contribution within the dorsal attentional network (DAN), using Independent Component Analysis (ICA).

Methods: ICA-based analysis was performed on brain resting-state functional images of 19 volunteers.

Results: We confirmed that DAN includes bilaterally: lobules VI-VII (crus I) and VIIB-VIIIA, as previously reported by Region-Of-Interest (ROI)-based functional connectivity studies. We also found that lobule IX (tonsillae), and as well as the superior and, likely, inferior colliculi. Also belong to DAN. The part of lobule IX in relation to DAN is located more caudally and laterally, and less extensive than the more rostral part of this lobule belonging to the default-mode network (DMN).

Conclusion: Rostral and caudal tonsillae partake in the DMN and DAN, respectively. The latter could subserve either eye movement control in relation to the oculomotor parieto-frontal network, partially congruent with the DAN, or more cognitive functions due to functional reallocation within the DAN.