A direct projection from the cerebellum to the telencephalon in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

Recent studies showed that the cerebellum is involved in cognitive functions previously thought to be located in the telencephalon only. Various indirect connections between telencephalon and cerebellum are long known and may be the basis for the interaction of these two brain areas. By means of biotinylated dextran amine injections into the telencephalon and cerebellum in the goldfish, Carassius auratus, we found a direct projection from the valvula cerebelli to the telencephalon. Together with other studies in fish, birds, and mammals, these data suggest that direct connections between cerebellum and telencephalon are more common than previously thought and may contribute to the integration of telencephalic and cerebellar functions.