Cerebellum Location and Function

Cerebellum Location and Function Theories Biological Psychology Print The Location and Function of the Cerebellum in the Brain By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD on October 09, 2019 Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Claudia Chaves, MD Updated on February 01, 2020 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Technology(MEXT) Integrated Database Project More in Theories Biological Psychology Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Social Psychology Psychosocial Psychology The cerebellum (which is Latin for “little brain”) is a major structure of the hindbrain that is located near the brainstem.??? This part of the brain is responsible for a number of functions including motor skills such as balance, coordination, and posture. Location of the Cerebellum The cerebellum is the largest structure of the hindbrain and can be found in the back portion of the skull below the temporal and occipital lobes and behind the brainstem. When looking at the brain, the cerebellum looks much like a smaller structure separate from the brain, found beneath the hemispheres of the cerebral cortex. The cerebellum consists of a cortex covering white matter, as well as a ventricle filled with fluid. It is also divided into two hemispheres like the cerebral cortex. The cerebellum makes up just 10% of the total volume of the brain, yet it contains more than half of the brains neurons. Function of the Cerebellum The cerebellum plays an important role in motor control, the coordination of motor movements and balance, among other things. There are several key functions of the cerebellum.?? Coordinating the Bodys Voluntary Movements Movement is a complex process that requires a number of different muscle groups working together. Consider how many muscle groups are involved in the process of walking, running, or throwing a ball. While the cerebellum is not thought to initiate movement, this part of the brain helps organize all of the actions of the muscle groups involved in a particular movement to ensure that the body is able to produce a fluid, coordinated movement. Balance and Posture In order to understand the important role that the cerebellum plays, it can be helpful to look at what happens when the function of this part of the brain is impaired. Drinking alcohol, for example, has an immediate effect on the cerebellum and leads to disruptions in the bodys coordination and movements.?? People who are severely intoxicated might find that they cannot even walk in a straight line or touch their own nose when asked. Motor Learning When you learn to perform a new skill such as riding a bike or hitting a baseball, you often go through a trial-and-error process. As you fine-tune your motor movements, you eventually become better able to perform the skill and eventually you can perform the action seamlessly. The cerebellum plays a critical role in this motor learning process. A Guide to the Anatomy of the Brain