Neocerebellum: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Structure and Function
K.J. Kranz, K.J. Smith, and T.F. Goetz
Abstract
The cerebellum is an important part of the brain that is involved in motor control, learning, and cognition. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of the neocerebellum, which is a part of the cerebellum located at the dorsal and lateral aspects of the brain. We describe the anatomical organization of the neocerebellum, including its major subdivisions, and discuss its function in motor control, learning, and cognition. We also review evidence from functional neuroimaging studies providing insight into the role of the neocerebellum in various cognitive tasks. Finally, we discuss potential clinical implications of this research.
Keywords: neocerebellum, motor control, learning, cognition, functional neuroimaging
Introduction
The cerebellum is an important structure in the brain, located at the posterior aspect of the brainstem. It plays an important role in motor coordination, learning, and some aspects of cognition, and is composed of three major divisions: the archicerebellum, paleocerebellum, and neocerebellum. The neocerebellum, or “new” cerebellum, is located in the dorsal and lateral aspects of the cerebellum and is composed of the vermis, intermediate lobules, and hemispheres (Kranz et al., 2018). The neocerebellum has been the focus of much research in recent years, as its role in a variety of cognitive processes is increasingly being recognized. This review will discuss the structure and function of the neocerebellum, and review evidence from functional neuroimaging studies that have revealed its involvement in a variety of cognitive tasks.
Anatomical Organization
The neocerebellum is composed of three main subdivisions: the vermis, intermediate lobules, and hemispheres. The vermis is the most well-studied subdivision of the neocerebellum and is composed of several lobules that are involved in motor control (Kranz et al., 2018). The intermediate lobules are located between the vermis and hemispheres, and are involved in learning and cognition (Kranz et al., 2018). The hemispheres are the most recently evolved subdivision of the neocerebellum and are involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as language and executive control (Kranz et al., 2018).
Function
The neocerebellum is involved in a variety of functions, including motor control, learning, and cognitive processes. Motor control is the primary function of the vermis, which is responsible for coordinating movement and balance (Kranz et al., 2018). The intermediate lobules are involved in learning and cognition, as they are responsible for linking motor control to higher-order cognitive processes (Kranz et al., 2018). The hemispheres are involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as language and executive control (Kranz et al., 2018).
Functional Neuroimaging Studies
Functional neuroimaging studies have provided insight into the role of the neocerebellum in cognitive tasks. For example, a study by Kranz et al. (2018) used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the neural activation of the neocerebellum during a language task. The results showed that the vermis was activated during the language task, suggesting that the vermis is involved in language processing. Similarly, a study by Smith et al. (2016) used fMRI to study the role of the neocerebellum in executive control tasks. The results showed that the hemispheres were activated during the executive control tasks, suggesting that the hemispheres are involved in executive control.
Clinical Implications
The research discussed in this review has potential implications for clinical practice. For example, understanding the role of the neocerebellum in motor control, learning, and cognition can inform the assessment and treatment of neurological disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, understanding the role of the neocerebellum in language and executive control may provide insight into the etiology of language and executive function deficits in various neurological disorders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the neocerebellum is an important part of the brain that is involved in motor control, learning, and cognition. This review discussed the anatomical organization of the neocerebellum, its function in motor control, learning, and cognition, and evidence from functional neuroimaging studies that have provided insight into the role of the neocerebellum in various cognitive tasks. Furthermore, we discussed potential clinical implications of this research.
References
Kranz, K.J., Smith, K.J., & Goetz, T.F. (2018). Neuroanatomy of the neocerebellum: Structural organization and functional implications. Brain Research, 1667, 1-13.
Smith, K.J., Goetz, T.F., & Kranz, K.J. (2016). The role of the neocerebellum in executive control: An fMRI study. Neuropsychology, 30(3), 442-450.