The HOPES Brain Tutorial (Non-Flash Version) Part 8
A guided tour of the human brain and its parts.
Cerebellum
At the back of the head, in between the brain stem and cerebral cortex, is the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls balance and coordination and is where learned movements are stored. Purkinje neurons that control the refinement of motor movements are found in the cerebellum. The cerebellum receives input from many parts of the brain (especially from granule cells) regarding pressure on the limbs, limb movement, and the position of the limbs in space. The dentate nucleus, located within the cerebellum, coordinates skilled movement. Damage to this region, as a result of HD, causes movements that were once smooth and refined to become jerky. Movements must also be constantly relearned.
Reticular Activating System
The reticular formation aids in regulation of the sleep-wake cycle as well as the level of arousal when awake.
Brainstem
The bottom-most part of the brain is the brain stem. The brain stem is attached to the spinal cord. It relays information between parts of the brain or between the brain and body and regulates basic body function. It is made up of the midbrain, medulla and the pons.
Midbrain: The midbrain contains the major motor supply to the muscles controlling eye movements and relays information for some visual and auditory reflexes.
Pons: The pons is a mass of nerve fibers that serves as a bridge between the medulla and midbrain above it. The pons is associated with face sensation and movement.
Medulla: The medulla (also known as the medulla oblongata) is located at the base of the brain stem and controls many of the mechanisms necessary for life, such as heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing.
Last Modified: 4-29-04
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At the back of the head, in between the brain stem and cerebral cortex, is the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls balance and coordination and is where learned movements are stored. Purkinje neurons that control the refinement of motor movements are found in the cerebellum. The cerebellum receives input from many parts of the brain (especially from granule cells) regarding pressure on the limbs, limb movement, and the position of the limbs in space. The dentate nucleus, located within the cerebellum, coordinates skilled movement. Damage to this region, as a result of HD, causes movements that were once smooth and refined to become jerky. Movements must also be constantly relearned.
The reticular formation aids in regulation of the sleep-wake cycle as well as the level of arousal when awake.
The bottom-most part of the brain is the brain stem. The brain stem is attached to the spinal cord. It relays information between parts of the brain or between the brain and body and regulates basic body function. It is made up of the midbrain, medulla and the pons.
