brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Brain
Cerebellum
The cerebellum, which lies below the cerebrum just above the brain stem, coordinates the body’s movements. With information it receives from the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia about the position of the limbs, the cerebellum helps the limbs move smoothly and accurately. It does so by constantly adjusting muscle tone and posture. The cerebellum interacts with areas in the brain stem called vestibular nuclei, which are connected with the organs of balance ( Vestibular system ) in the inner ear. Together, these structures provide a sense of balance, making walking upright possible. The cerebellum also stores memories of practiced movements, enabling highly coordinated movements, such as a ballet dancer’s pirouette, to be done with speed and balance. The cerebellum contributes to thought functions such as attention, language, and emotion. 