Functions of the Cerebellum
The cerebellum plays
an essential role in the control of movement. It is responsible for ensuring
that movement takes place smoothly, in the right direction, and to the right
extent. Cerebellar stimulation modifies movements produced by stimulation of
motor areas of the cerebral cortex. The cerebellar cortex is also important for
learning of movements (e.g., in learning to write).
Through
its vestibular and spinal connections the cerebellum is responsible for
maintaining the equilibrium of the body.
These
functions are possible because the cerebellum receives constant information
regarding the state of contraction of muscles, and of the position of various
joints. It also receives information from the eyes, the ears, the vestibular apparatus,
the reticular formation and the cerebral cortex. All this information is
integrated, and is used to influence movement through motor centres in the
brainstem and spinal cord, and also through the cerebral cortex.
Recent
studies have shown that the importance of the cerebellum may extend beyond
control of motor activity. It has been postulated that the cerebellum may
influence autonomic functions; that through the reticular formation and the
thalamus it may influence conduction in ascending sensory pathways; and that
the cerebral cortex and cerebellar cortex may cooperate in other complex ways.
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