Cerebellum

The cerebellum is the portion of the brain which lies behind and under the cerebral cortex. It is involved in fine control and coordination of skeletal muscles.

It plays an important role in movements which require careful timing and interaction of many muscles: maintaining posture, walking, eating, playing musical instruments, tracking movements with the eyes, etc..

Individuals with cerebellar damage may still be able to walk, gesture and eat, but the movements may appear difficult and clumsy.

by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain - Artwork copyright © 2000 Ann L. Myers