Anatomy of brain (Cerebellum)

Functional anatomy of Cerebellum

Cerebellum= Greek= little brain

It appears as a separate structure attached to the bottom of the brain, placed beneath the cerebral hemespheres. it is the 2nd largest part of brain after cerebral conrtex.

It is divided into 3 lobes:

1.       Anterior lobe

2.       Posteriorlobe

3.       Flocculonodular lobe

The flocculonodular lobe maintains the balance/equilibrium or gait of the person, while the anterior and posterior lobes fine tune the body’s movements. The cerebellum is the governor of skilled, coordinated movement (e.g., returning a tennis serve or playing cricket ball with timing) and is involved in some learning pathways.

                                          (Brain)

(Cerebellum)

Functions:

1.    Coordination of voluntary muscular movement. Thus, damage to the cerebellum results in cerebral palsy or can lead to paralysis.

2.    Maintaining balance and equilibrium while walking, swimming, riding, etc.

3.    Storing memory for reflex motor acts. It is basically involved with learning new movements, and coordinating and executing them properly.

4.    It is also involved with coordinating simultaneous subconscious actions, like eating while talking or listening etc.

5.    New research on cerebellum reveals that it is also associated with some non-motor activities like language and attention.