Which statement describes the growth pattern of the cerebellum across gestation?

• A. It remains constant in size.
• B. It increases with gestational age.
• C. It decreases as gestational age advances.
• D. It is negligible until term.

Answer: (B)

Fetal cerebellar growth happens progressively as gestation advances. The cerebellum enlarges throughout the second and third trimesters due to ongoing neural development, so ultrasound measurements that reflect cerebellar size (like the transcerebellar diameter) increase with fetal age. This makes the description that it increases with gestational age the best fit. It does not stay constant, nor does it decrease as gestation progresses, and it is not negligible until term—the cerebellum continues to grow well into late gestation.