Part 10/16:
Dr. Buren highlights the cerebellum’s role as an 'air traffic controller' for movement. Located at the base of the brain, it integrates sensory information and refines motor commands to produce smooth, coordinated actions. Damage to the cerebellum can lead to ataxia, characterized by unsteady gait and tremors, exemplifying its importance in motor learning and timing.
One of the cerebellum’s roles involves integrating visual and vestibular signals, especially in regions like the nodulus. This integration allows the body to correct errors in movement and stabilize perception, as seen in animals that bob their heads to keep their visual world steady.