Brain_Function

The cerebellum is involved in coordinated movements and skilled actions of balance, muscle tone, voluntary movement, and basic aspects of memory and learning. It is located at the lower back of the brain, helping with other portions of the brain work effectively together. The word cerebellum plainly means “little brain”, and this is reflective of its small proportions. If the cerebellum is injured, these roles can be impaired in how a person moves. Function of the Cerebellum In comparison to other parts of the brain, the cerebellum is well protected from trauma. It is due to its location right above the brain stem and in the back of the brain. This is an ideal location for the cerebellum, as some compare it to a computer. Messages are inputted into the cerebellum, processed, and then sent to the right destination. The cerebellum is comprised of three main lobes: the flocculonodular lobe, anterior lobe, and the posterior lobe. These lobes receive information from systems in the inner ear, sensory nerves, and from visual and auditory systems. The anterior lobe, also known as the paleocerebellum, receives input from the spinal cord on the position of various body parts. It prepares the muscles of the body for changes in posture. The flocculonodular lobe regulates eye movements and equilibrium. The posterior lobe evaluates sensory information to plot movement. This lobe, also called the neocerebellum, is important for having fine motor coordination. Part of Nervous System affected by Cerebellum The cerebellum, part of the central nervous system, controls the body’s voluntary movement, which is controlled from the somatic nervous system. Information received from the SNS is used by the paleocerebellum and the other two lobes and prepares for future voluntary movement. Cerebellar Injury Cerebellar damage and injury can lead to a person making slow, inaccurate movements that are uncoordinated. They also tend to sway and stagger while in motion. More serious harm to the cerebellum can lead to the development of disorders. Asynergia forms and causes the loss of the coordination for motor movement, and Dysmetria causes the incapacity to judge distances and when to stop. Another disorder, intention tremors, causes involuntary tremors, especially nearing the completion of a movement. The cerebellum controls balance, muscle tone, voluntary movement, and basic aspects of learning and memory. Its location is protects it well from trauma, by being located at the lower back of the brain. But when the cerebellum is injured or harmed, it can lead to a person making sluggish, imprecise movements. Three main lobes consist of the cerebellum: the posterior lobe, anterior lobe, and the flocculonodular lobe, which help with other portions of the brain to work efficiently unruffled. In brief, the cerebellum plays a chief role in the management of muscle and smooth movement. Beitz, Alvin. "Cerebellum." 7 Feburary 2006. 18 September 2010 . Canadian Institutes of Health Research. THE MOTOR CORTEX. n.d. 18 Septembr 2010 . Centre for Neuro Skills. Cerebellumn Fuctions. 2010. 18 September 2010 . Cherry, Kendra. The Anatomy of the Brain. n.d. 18 September 2010 . Leiner, Henrietta C. and Alan L. Leiner. The Treasure at the Bottom of the Brain. September 1997. 18 September 2010 . McCaffrey, Patrick. The Cerebellum. 2008. 18 September 2010 .