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Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum: Structure and Functions

Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum: Structure and Functions

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Sep 18, 2024 03:15 PM IST

What are Cerebrum and Cerebellum?

The cerebellum and cerebrum are parts of the brain differentiated in terms of structure and functions. While the cerebrum takes charge of higher cognitive functions and sensory processing, the cerebellum is in charge of coordinating movement and balance.

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Structure and Location

The structure and location is described below-

Cerebrum

  • The largest part of the brain, the cerebrum occupies the uppermost region of the cranial cavity.

  • It is divided into two hemispheres and four lobes namely frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.

Cerebellum

  • The cerebellum is at the lower back of the brain behind the occipital lobes of the cerebrum.

  • The organ has a distinctive appearance with an extremely folded surface like the cerebrum though smaller.

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Functions

The functions are described below-

Cerebrum

  • The functions of the cerebrum include cognitive functions, perceiving senses, voluntary motor activities and language.

  • It processes the sensory information and interprets it to have perceptions and thoughts.

Cerebellum

  • The cerebellum coordinates the voluntary movements, balances, and maintenance of posture

  • Refines motor activities so that movements are smooth and graceful

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Communication with Other Brain Regions

The communication is described below-

Cerebrum

  • The cerebrum communicates extensively with the other brain regions through the nerve fibres present in the white matter.

  • Integrated information from different sources is further analyzed to allow the complex mental processes to be produced

Cerebellum

  • The cerebellum receives information from sensory systems and the rest of the brain, which it uses to orchestrate movement.

  • It sends signals to the motor cortex and spinal cord to adjust and fine-tune movements.

Role in Disorders and Diseases

Their role in disorders are listed below-

Cerebrum

  • Damage to the cerebrum results in loss of higher mental functions, sensation, and motor control.

  • Those diseases that affect majorly the cerebrum include stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Cerebellum

  • Some of the disorders that occur in a case where the cerebellum has been affected include coordination problems, balance issues, and motor learning difficulties. Ataxia and Cerebellar Degeneration target the cerebellum.

Key Points

  • The cerebrum enables higher cognitive functions and sensory processing

  • The cerebellum coordinates movement and maintains balance.

  • Both structures play a vital role in different ways towards brain function and general behavior

Difference Between Cerebellum And Cerebrum

Characteristic

Cerebellum

Cerebrum

Size

Smaller, about 10-11% of total brain mass

Largest part, about 80-85% of total brain mass

Location

Located at the back of the brain, beneath the cerebrum

Occupies the uppermost region of the cranial cavity

Structure

Has a folded surface, divided into two hemispheres

Divided into two hemispheres and four lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital)

Functions

Coordinates movement, balance, and posture

Controls higher cognitive functions, sensory processing, voluntary motor activities, and language

Communication

Receives sensory information and sends signals to motor cortex and spinal cord

Communicates extensively with other brain regions through white matter

Role in Disorders

Affected by ataxia and cerebellar degeneration, leading to coordination and balance issues

Damage results in cognitive deficits, sensory impairments, and motor dysfunctions; affected by stroke, Alzheimer's disease

Neurons

Contains over 50% of the total neurons in the brain

Contains fewer neurons compared to the cerebellum

Cavities

Contains two lateral ventricles

No presence of cavities

Associated Memory

Rarely associated with memory

Always associated with memory


Conclusion

Knowing the differences between the cerebellum and the cerebrum gives insight into how the brain controls all aspects of our behaviour and bodily functions. Each portion has a different and equally important function that keeps the whole brain healthy and working properly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the cerebrum do?

The chief functions of the cerebrum include higher cognitive functions, perceiving sensations, voluntary motor activities, and language.

2. How about the contribution of the cerebellum to movement?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture to provide smooth and coordinated actions.

3. Wherein inside the brain are the cerebrum and cerebellum located?

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is located in the uppermost region of the cranial cavity; the cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, beneath the occipital lobes.

4. What happens in case of damage to the cerebrum?

The effects of damage to the cerebrum include cognitive deficits, sensory impairments, and motor dysfunctions that alter thought and behaviour in many ways.

5. What disorders affect the cerebellum?

Ataxia and cerebellar degeneration are disorders of the cerebellum that cause coordination problems and balance disorders.

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