Cerebellum Function

The human brain is a marvel in itself that single-handedly carries out many functions of the body. The development of the human brain has helped man become the most advanced being on the planet. The brain, which is a part of the nervous system, is divided into various parts and of these parts, cerebellum is one of them. Each area of the brain and their function is specific and similarly, there is a specific cerebellum function.

Cerebellum Location
The cerebellum is one of the most underestimated parts of the human brain. The function of the cerebellum involves the regulation and coordination of movement, posture and brain. The term 'cerebellum' is Latin for 'little brain'. It is located behind the brain stem right at the bottom of the brain. It has a large mass of cerebral cortex above and a portion of the brain stem, that is, pons in the front. Cerebellum is divided into two hemisphere, and has a cortex that surrounds these hemispheres.

Functions of Cerebellum
The first and foremost function of the cerebellum is organizing the complex information received by the brain. The cerebellum receives information from the inner ear, sensory nerves and the auditory visual system. It coordinates the motor movements and also the basic memory and learning processes.

The fuctions also include the coordination of voluntary motor movement, balance, equilibrium and muscle tone. If there is any traumatic brain injury or brain cancer, the function of cerebellum may go haywire. It causes slow and uncoordinated movements in the body. Therefore, people with cerebellum lesions sway and stagger while they walk. The damage to cerebellum may lead to may problems in an individual. These problems affect the brain as follows:

• Asynergia: This is loss of coordination of motor movement.
• Dysmetria: The person finds it difficult to judge distance and when to stop.
• Adiadochokinesia: This is a condition where the person is unable to perform rapid alternating movements.
• Intention tremor: The patient may tremor while carrying out certain movements.
• Ataxic gait: Staggering and swaying while walking.
• Hypotonia: A person develops weak muscles.
• Ataxic dysarthria: Development of slurred speech.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal eye movements.

Cerebellum Function Test
There are certain neurological tests carried out to check the functions of the cerebellum. The cerebellum function test carried out generally are as follows:

• Finger-Nose-Finger: The examiner points a finger and the patient needs to follow the path of the finger with his nose. This test will help indicate dysmetria, intentional tremor and overshooting target.
• Alternating hand movements.
• Romberg test
• Gait test
• Vestibular exam

The basic cerebellum function is involved with balance and to maintain equilibrium. Other functions of cerebellum include maintaining muscle tone, coordination of voluntary motor movements and action of muscles. There are many other brain parts and functions that help in a well coordinated functioning of the human body system.