Mod4-Obj4: The cerebellum

Question 1

The cerebellum

Answer 1

Second largest part of the brain

• Bilaterally symmetrical
• Two hemispheres, each with lobes (anterior and posterior)

Question 2

The cerebellum superficial cortex of gray matter…

Answer 2

Has sensory and motor maps of the body
-The part of the cerebellar cortex the receives sensory input from a body region (i.e. proprioceptive information) influences motor output to that region

Question 3

The cerebellum white matter…

Answer 3

Branches like a tree, ‘arbor vitae’

Question 4

The cerebellum penduncles..

Answer 4

Three paired fibre tracts-permit communication between cerebellum and the rest of the brain

Question 5

Functions of the cerebellum to coordinate the motor activities initiated by the primary motor cortex:

Answer 5

1. ) Motor cortex “informs” the cerebellum of its motor plans
2. ) Cerebellum receives sensory information from: proprioceptors throughout the body, visual and equilibrium pathways (evaluates body position and movement)
3. ) Cerebellum compares the ‘plans’ with the ‘actions’ and adjusts the output of the primary motor cortex, so the resulting muscle actions are balances, smooth and coordinated

Question 6

The cerebellum monitors and adjusts…

Answer 6

Muscle tone and body position (maintains posture and balance)
-Damage: loss of muscle tone, uncoordinated movement