The Cerebellum

Abstract

As the largest motor structure of the central nervous system, the cerebellum plays a critical role in movement, while damage to it leads to disorders of motor function. The cerebellum regulates the rate, rhythm, force, and accuracy of movements, and cerebellar damage produces movement incoordination. The cerebellum also plays a role in non-motor functions, although in ways that are far less understood. This chapter details the anatomy of the cerebellum, functional divisions of the cerebellum, and signs and symptoms of cerebellar damage. Causes of cerebellar dysfunction include stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, neurodegeneration due to chronic alcoholism, and acute alcohol intoxication. Congenital malformations affecting the cerebellum include Chiari malformations and Dandy-Walker syndrome.