Cerebellum

The cerebellum is a region at the back of the brain that refines movement, balance, and posture. It also supports motor learning and contributes to cognitive functions.

Cerebellar cortex: The cerebellum’s folded outer layer, containing Purkinje cells and distinct neuronal layers. Its circuit structure transforms incoming signals into outputs that shape movement.
Vermis: The narrow midline region of the cerebellum that connects its two hemispheres. Its connections are especially relevant to posture, gait, and control of the trunk.
Cerebellar ataxia: A disorder of coordination caused by damage or dysfunction in the cerebellum or its connections. Its characteristic incoordination shows what happens when cerebellar control is impaired.
Cerebellar lesion: A localized injury or area of damage within cerebellar tissue. Lesion patterns have helped map cerebellar regions to motor and nonmotor functions.
Purkinje cell: A large inhibitory neuron that forms the sole output of the cerebellar cortex. Purkinje cells regulate deep cerebellar nuclei, translating cortical activity into motor influence.
Cerebellar hemisphere: One of the two large lateral divisions of the cerebellum. The hemispheres contribute to limb control and connect with cerebral association areas.
Dysmetria: A movement-coordination deficit in which actions overshoot or undershoot their intended target. This sign exposes impaired scaling of movements after cerebellar damage.
Vestibulo-ocular reflex: A reflex that moves the eyes opposite head motion to keep vision stable. Cerebellar circuits adapt this reflex, linking balance systems with precise eye control.
Deep cerebellar nuclei: A group of nuclei embedded in the cerebellum that provide its principal output to other brain regions. They relay cerebellar processing to motor and cognitive circuits.
Flocculonodular lobe: A cerebellar lobe involved in balance and control of eye movements. Its vestibular connections make it central to balance and gaze stabilization.

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