Cerebellum & Basal ganglia

• What is the cerebellum often referred to as?

  Little brain
• What percentage of the brain's neurons does the cerebellum contain?

  80%
• How is the cerebellum organized?

  In a dense cellular layer
• What is the surface area of the cerebellum when unfolded?

  75% of the cerebrum's surface area
• Where is the cerebellum located?

  Posterior to pons and inferior to occipital lobe
• What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

  • Coordination of movement
  • Balance
  • Posture
• What are the functional distinct parts of the cerebellum?

  1. Vestibulocerebellum
  2. Spinocerebellum
  3. Cerebrocerebellum
• What is the role of the cerebellum in coordination of movement?

  It coordinates muscle groups for smooth movements
• How does the cerebellum contribute to balance?

  By adjusting posture as needed
• What is the cerebellum's role in regulating muscle tone?

  It helps maintain posture
• How does the cerebellum assist in motor learning?

  By refining and improving movements over time
• What does the cerebellum help with in terms of timing?

  It helps precisely time movements
• What are the functions of the vestibulocerebellum?

  • Balance and equilibrium
  • Vestibulo-ocular reflex
• What are the functions of the spinocerebellum?

  • Coordination of voluntary movements
  • Posture control
  • Muscle tone regulation
• What are the functions of the cerebrocerebellum?

  • Planning and execution of complex movements
  • Higher-order motor control
  • Possible involvement in cognitive functions
• How does the cerebellum receive information for motor coordination?

  From brain motor control areas and sensory inputs
• What does the cerebellum compare during movement?

  Actual movements with intended movements
• What happens if actual movements do not match intended movements?

  Corrective signals are sent to the motor system
• How does the cerebellum assist in planning movements?

  By planning the next movement while executing the current one
• How does the cerebellum learn from mistakes?

  By adjusting neuron excitability for future movements
• What does the vestibulocerebellum calculate?

  Future positions of body parts during movement
• What is dysmetria?

  • Inability to control distance, speed, range of motion
  • Type of cerebellar ataxia
  • Caused by cerebellum damage
• What causes dysmetria?

  Damage to the cerebellum
• What is ataxia?

  • Abnormal coordination of movements
  • Poor muscle control causing clumsy movements
  • Results from cerebellum damage
• What can cause ataxia?

  Alcohol misuse, stroke, tumors
• What is an intention tremor?

  Rhythmic tremor during purposeful movement
• What happens to movements in intention tremor?

  They overshoot and oscillate before settling
• What are the components of the basal ganglia?

  • Caudate nucleus
  • Putamen
  • Globus pallidus
  • Subthalamic nucleus
  • Substantia nigra
• What are the functional categories of the basal nuclei?

  1. Input nuclei
  2. Output nuclei
  3. Connecting nucleus
  4. Modulatory nucleus
• What is the major input region of the basal ganglia?

  The striatum
• What do the output nuclei of the basal ganglia do?

  Send inhibitory signals to the thalamus
• What role does the substantia nigra play in the basal ganglia?

  Produces dopamine to modulate activity
• What are the functions of the basal ganglia?

  • Movement initiation and coordination
  • Motor learning and habit formation
  • Postural control
  • Procedural learning
  • Cognitive function
• What is the role of the caudate nucleus?

  Receives sensory and motor information
• What is the role of the basal ganglia in voluntary movements?

  They facilitate voluntary movements.
• How do the basal ganglia work with the cerebellum?

  They ensure smooth, controlled actions.
• What are the roles of the basal ganglia in motor learning and habit formation?

  • Refine movements through practice
  • Contribute to habit formation
  • Make well-learned actions automatic
• How do the basal ganglia contribute to postural control?

  • Maintain posture and balance
  • Regulate muscle tone
  • Coordinate movements to keep upright
• What is procedural learning and its relation to the basal ganglia?

  • Involves learning complex skills
  • Includes activities like riding a bike
  • Involves a sequence of steps
• What cognitive functions are associated with the basal ganglia?

  • Involved in attention
  • Aids in decision-making
  • Contributes to working memory