The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role
in the integration of sensory perception and motor output. Many neural
pathways link the cerebellum with the motor cortex—which sends
information to the muscles causing them to move—and the
spinocerebellar tract—which provides feedback on the position of the
body in space (proprioception). The cerebellum integrates these two
functions, using the constant feedback on body position to fine-tune
motor movements. Because of this 'updating' function of the
cerebellum, lesions within it are not so debilitating as to cause
paralysis, but rather present as feedback deficits resulting in
disorders in fine movement, equilibrium, posture, and motor learning.
Initial observations by physiologists during the 18th century
indicated that patients with cerebellar damage show problems with
motor coordination and movement. Modern research has shown that the
cerebellum has a broader role in a number of key cognitive functions,
including attention and the processing of language, music, and other
sensory temporal stimuli.
Read the rest of this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebellum
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1597:
Twelve Korean ships commanded by Admiral Yi Soon Shin sank 31 enemy
ships and defeated a Japanese invasion.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_Sun-sin)
1810:
Miguel Hidalgo, the parish priest in Dolores, Guanajuato, delivered
the Grito de Dolores to his congregation, instigating the Mexican War
of Independence against Spain.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Hidalgo)
1941:
Shah Reza Pahlavi of Iran was forced to abdicate in favour of his
son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reza_Pahlavi)
1963:
Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore merged to form Malaysia.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia)
1982:
A Lebanese militia led by Elie Hobeika carried out a massacre in the
Palestinian refugee camp of Sabra and Shatila.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabra_and_Shatila_Massacre)
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Wikiquote of the day:
"A planned life is a dead life." -- Lauren Bacall
(
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Lauren_Bacall)