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.
The structure and location is described below-
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.
Latest: NEET 2024 Paper Analysis and Answer Key
Don't Miss: Most scoring concepts for NEET | NEET papers with solutions
New: NEET Syllabus 2025 for Physics, Chemistry, Biology
NEET Important PYQ & Solutions: Physics | Chemistry | Biology
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.
The functions are described below-
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.
The cerebellum coordinates the voluntary movements, balances, and maintenance of posture
Refines motor activities so that movements are smooth and graceful
The communication is described below-
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
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.
Their role in disorders are listed below-
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.
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.
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
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 |
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.
The chief functions of the cerebrum include higher cognitive functions, perceiving sensations, voluntary motor activities, and language.
The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture to provide smooth and coordinated actions.
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.
The effects of damage to the cerebrum include cognitive deficits, sensory impairments, and motor dysfunctions that alter thought and behaviour in many ways.
Ataxia and cerebellar degeneration are disorders of the cerebellum that cause coordination problems and balance disorders.
18 Sep'24 06:51 PM
18 Sep'24 06:50 PM
18 Sep'24 06:48 PM
18 Sep'24 06:13 PM
18 Sep'24 05:59 PM
18 Sep'24 05:59 PM
18 Sep'24 05:57 PM
18 Sep'24 05:45 PM