The Big Little Brain: Exploring cerebellar function and structure using 7T MRI

This PhD thesis investigates the cerebellum, also known as the “little brain”, using ultra-high-field 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (7T MRI). It examines cerebellar structural and functional organisation in healthy volunteers, focusing on the role of the cerebellum in proprioception and the somatotopic mapping of digits. In addition, the thesis explores the application of 7T MRI to study cerebellar involvement in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The increased spatial resolution afforded by 7T MRI enables detailed characterisation of cerebellar anatomy and function beyond what is possible at lower field strengths. Overall, this work provides new insights into cerebellar function and structure in vivo.