What is the cerebellum?

The cerebellum, known colloquially as the "mini-brain," is located at the back of the brain. Characteristically, it appears highly foliated with numerous folds, bumps, and grooves, resembling a smaller version of the brain tucked into the back of the larger brain structure. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating voluntary movements, such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech, resulting in smooth and balanced muscular activity. It is also involved in motor learning, helping to fine-tune movements through practice and repetition 1.

Additionally, the cerebellum is not solely focused on movement; it has non-motor functions as well. It receives sensory input, particularly visual, to aid in spatial navigation and movement coordination. The cerebellum processes information on the position and movement of the body through space, integrating visual and proprioceptive inputs to support coordinated movement 2.