The Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia

Abstract

What is the cerebellum and what does it do in the human brain? In the past, the answer would be that it only contributes to motor performance and skill. Still we recognize its contribution to motor control, however to limit its function to only motor coordination is a great understatement to say the least. Recent evidence has shown that the cerebellum’s contribution to control of all brain functions especially cognitive and behavioral controls may be just as great as its control over motor functions. In fact, we will see how the cerebellum may in fact, be the key to normal cognitive and emotional development of the brain and is in fact the key to learning anything, whether it is motor or cognitive learning.