cerebellum

primary functions

balance, equilibrium, coordination, and motor learning

midline structures

emotional regulation

cognitive role

language, executive function, and emotion

right hemisphere

language processing

left hemisphere

visuospatial function (spatial relationships)

cerebellar damage

disrupts proprioception during active, but not passive movement

dysmetria

movements become inaccurate and uncoordinated

dysdiadochokinesia

inability to perform rapid alternating movements smoothly

extensive connectivity

interacts with many brain regions

bidirectional communication

sends and receives signals across multiple pathways

how does the cerebellum refine motor commands

by predicting the expected sensory feedback from an action before its completed

superior peduncle

output signals to the cerebral cortex (via thalamus)

middle peduncle

input from the cerebral cortex (via pontine nuclei)

inferior peduncle

sensory input from spinal cord an vestibular system and output to brainstem

cerebrocerebellum (posterior lobe)

coordination of voluntary movement and motor learning

spinocerebellum (anterior lobe)

receives sensory input and refines motor signals

how does the spinocerebellar path send output

through the red nucleus and brainstem pathways

vestibulocerebellum (flocclonodular lobe)

receives input from inner ear and maintains balance and posture

thalamic modulation

influences motor output by adjusting cortical excitability and timing of movement signals

three layers

molecular, purkinje cell, and granular layers

what does plasticity at the parallel-fiber purkinje cell allow the cerebellum to learn

associations between stimuli and refine motor output

denate nucleus

cerebrocerebellum