Cerebellum

About the Cerebellum

The cerebellum little brain is located behind the brainstem, containing more than half of all neurons in the brain despite making up only about 10 percent of brain volume. It coordinates voluntary movement, maintains balance and posture, and contributes to motor learning and some cognitive functions. The cerebellum has three functional regions: vestibulocerebellum balance and eye movements, spinocerebellum body and limb movement coordination, and cerebrocerebellum planning and initiation of movement. It compares intended movement with actual movement, making real time corrections via cerebellar peduncles. Purkinje cells, among the largest neurons in the brain, provide the sole, inhibitory output of the cerebellar cortex. Cerebellar damage causes ataxia, intention tremor, dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, and hypotonia.