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Cerebellar Signs

Research Points to Several Key Cerebellar Functions

	Comparison of intent and action (ie., errors) and generates corrective signals
	Motor learning and adaptation
	Plays a role in automating and optimizing behavior
	Motor cognition and general cognition & emotions (new evidence; controversial)

Goal: Cerebellar function

	Overview of motor system hierarchy
	Cerebellar anatomy
	Principal pathways out of the cerebellum-- How the cerebellum impacts the motor pathways
	Experimental approaches to reveal:
		Motor learning
		Mental processes underlying movement control
		Role in cognition and emotions

Motor Hierarchy

Cerebellar Functional Anatomy

Cerebellar Anatomy

Input-output Organization

Cerebellar divisions

Cerebellar Cortex

Slide 11

Cbm unfold

Functional divisions of cerebellar cortex --> Deep nuclei

Medial & lateral systems

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Functions of the Cerebellum

	Motor learning/adaptation
	Non-motor functions:
		Active tactile exploration
		Higher brain functions (cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome)

Motor
Learning

Non-motor Function

Cerebellar Motor Functions

	Implemented via lateral and medial pathways, especially the corticospinal tract
	Incorporated into motor programs via frontal motor areas (SMA, premotor cortex…)
	Becomes part of motor strategy via prefrontal cortex

Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Disorder

	Lesions of the posterior cortex and vermis
	Impairment of executive functions
		Planning, verbal fluency, abstract reasoning
	Difficulties with spatial cognition
		Visuo-spatial organization, visual memory
	Personality changes
		Blunting of affect, inappropriate behaviors
	Language disorders
		Agrammatism

Conclusions

	Cerebellar lesions produce
		Incoordination & errors not weakness
		Lose ability to anticipate errors
		Lose ability to correct