Cerebellum Notes

Cerebellum Structure

• Second largest part of the brain.
• Highly convoluted outer surface, similar to the cerebrum.
• Divided into:
  • Outer gray matter: Cerebellar cortex.
  • Inner white matter: Arborvitae (resembles a branching tree).

Cerebellum Function

• Smooths and coordinates skeletal muscle movements.
• Maintains posture and balance.
• Receives visual, balance, and proprioceptive information.
• Detects and corrects errors in movements produced by motor areas of the cerebral cortex, especially the primary motor cortex.
• Fine-tunes movements for smoothness, coordination, and accuracy.

Role in Movement

• Constantly makes minor adjustments to movements.
• Adjusts muscle tone to maintain posture and balance.

Cerebellar Injury

• Results in:
  • Loss of balance (tendency to fall).
  • Loss of muscle tone (floppy posture).
  • Loss of coordinated movements (ataxia).
  • Abnormal eye movements.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Wide, unsteady gait.