The Cerebellum : "Little Brain"
Second largest part of the brain, divided from the occipital lobe by the
transverse fissure
.
Similar to the cerebrum in general structure
Gray matter cortex, white matter interior
Arbor vitae
is the name given to describe the pattern the white matter makes
Has gyri and sulci, though the gyri are less prominent and more slender than the cerebral ones
The
vermis
is the central portion that separates the two cerebellar hemispheres
Cerebellar peduncles – where tracts leave the cerebellum to go to other CNS structures
Inferior peduncles : from the spinal cord and the medulla
Middle peduncles : from the pons
Superior peduncles : from the
dentate nucleus
of the cerebellum through the
red nucleus
to the thalamus
Three general functions
Works with cerebrum to produce coordinated motor activity
Superior vermis and hemispheres
Helps control posture and to smooth out movements, makes them steady and efficient
Helps to control balance
It works by comparing intended movement to actual movement
Cerebellar imbalances include ataxia, hypotonia, tremors, balance and walking problems, but
not
paralysis