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A Standardized Pipeline for Examining Human Cerebellar Grey Matter Morphometry using Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: February 4, 2022
Cerebellum: connections and functions.
Mitchell Glickstein1, Karl Doron
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK. m.glickstein@ucl.ac.uk
The cerebellum, traditionally linked to motor control, may also influence cognition. However, anatomical evidence suggests limited direct connections to cognitive brain regions, questioning its broader cognitive role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The cerebellum is primarily known for motor control, reflex adaptation, and motor learning.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for the cerebellum in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical evidence supporting the cerebellum's involvement in cognition.
- To critically evaluate the extent of cerebellar connections with cognitive brain areas.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical studies.
- Analysis of neuroimaging data.
- Examination of lesion studies.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests cerebellar lesions can impair cognitive tasks.
- Cerebellar activation is observed during cognitive tasks in some imaging studies.
- Anatomical connections between the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex exist.
- However, direct connections to cognitive areas of the cerebral cortex appear minor.
- Some observed cerebellar activation may be related to eye movement control.
Conclusions:
- The cerebellum's role in cognition is debated.
- Anatomical evidence indicates limited direct connections to cognitive cortical areas.
- The cerebellum's contribution to cognition may be indirect or related to sensorimotor aspects of cognitive tasks.

