These climbing fibers leave the ION medially through the hilum, cross the midline, and ascend into the cerebellum via the inferior cerebellar peduncle.

[1] The target for each climbing fiber is a specific neuron in the cerebellum referred to as a Purkinje Cell.

Lesions in the ION impair the ability to learn higher level motility, such as performing a perfect jumpshot.

[7] Further investigation of the neuroanatomy confirmed the intimate connection between the IO and the cerebellum in motor coordination and learning.

More recent studies suggest that encoding the timing of sensory input is the key component of these connections.

The inferior olivary nucleus (ION) expresses key enzymes involved in steroidogenesis required for neuroprotection and maintenance.

[12][13][14] Dysfunction of the ION is also believed to play a central role in the etiology of essential tremor, though that convention is not universally accepted.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 781 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918) 2° (Spinomesencephalic tract → Superior colliculus of Midbrain tectum)