The cerebellum: position, function, and possible disorders

Do you know how big the human brain is? The average adult human brain weighs about 1.4 kilograms while its length is about 15 centimeters. Equivalent to the size of two adult fists. Big enough, right? However, even though it is seen as a solid whole, the brain consists of several supporting parts. One part of the brain that has a very important role is the cerebellum, aka the cerebellum. What are the functions?

Where is the cerebellum (cerebellum)?

Side view of the brain (source: days-eye)

Cerebellum (cerebellum) is located behind the head, below the cerebrum (cerebrum). Try holding the back of your head. The cerebellum is precisely at the top of the nape of the neck.

Interestingly, even though it is dubbed the cerebellum, the cerebellum is quite large when it is stretched out. Nearly the entire volume of the cerebellum is made up of "knitted" layers of very, very thin, dense gray matter called folium.

When the folium coils are untied open, you will find a layer of nerve tissue 1 meter long and 5 centimeters thick. The total surface area can be up to 500 square cm.

Cerebellum function

The cerebellum is very small and dense. It only makes up 10% of the total brain volume, but is home to more than 50% of the total number of neurons in the brain. This makes the cerebellum the fastest working part of the brain.

Control movement

Moving is actually a complex process. There are many muscles and nerves involved in making one simple movement. For example, walking, running, to throwing a ball.

Well, the main role of the cerebellum is movement control (motor control). The cerebellum does not initiate or create movements, but it supports the coordination functions of the limbs, the accuracy of their movements, and the accurate timing of motion. The cerebellum ensures that the body actually moves according to what is requested.

The cerebellum will receive signals from the main sensory centers in the spine and other parts of the brain, then process these signals to complete the body's motor activities.

Maintain balance and posture

The Cerebellum has special sensors to detect balance. The cerebellum will send a signal to the body to adjust the movement so it doesn't fall.

Simply put, without a small brain you would not be able to maintain balance while sitting, walking, or standing.

So when the cerebellum is disturbed, for example due to drinking large amounts of alcohol, it will be more difficult for you to regulate your movements and maintain your body balance.

Learn new moves

The Cerebellum helps the body to learn movements that require repetitive exercises and special techniques. For example, riding a bicycle, throwing a basketball in the hoop, or swimming.

In the beginning, you couldn't do it right away, right? It takes a process of experimenting with the movements until the end is completely perfect. The process of perfecting this movement is the role of the cerebellum.

The cerebellum will save the trial and error process that has been previously carried out, to then provide instructions for the limbs that need to be moved according to that memory.

This process gives you finer motion control for a particular maneuver.

Adjust eye movement

Not only is the function of the limbs governed by the cerebellum, the motion of your eyeballs too.

Behind the eyeballs are a lot of moving muscles that can make you glance from side to side and up and down. All the muscles and nerves in the eyeball are regulated by the cerebellum so that their movements are exactly what they want.

What are the consequences if the cerebellum is disturbed?

The main function of the cerebellum is to regulate movement. That is why damage or disturbance to the cerebellum will result in disturbances in fine movement, balance, posture, and motor learning. You become easily shaken or fall, slowed down, trembling / tremors, and even become paralyzed.

Apart from regulating movement, the cerebellum is also more or less involved in several cognitive functions such as focus attention and language as well as regulating responses to fear and pleasure.

Then other symptoms or signs that can occur when the cerebellum is disturbed are:

• Lack of muscle control and coordination.
• Difficulty walking and moving around.
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
• Abnormal eye movements.
• Headache.

There are many causes of disorders of the cerebellum:

• Ataxia
• Brain hemorrhage
• Blunt force blow.
• Poisoning
• Infection
• Cancer

Take care of the health of the cerebellum

• Protect your head. When driving or in situations that require a helmet, use it properly to reduce the risk of injury to the cerebellum.
• Quit smoking. Cigarettes increase the risk of stroke by clotting blood and increasing blood pressure
• Limit alcohol use. Drinking large portions of booze will immediately damage the cerebellum.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can improve brain blood vessels and reduce the risk of stroke.