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Universal Transform or Multiple Functionality? Understanding the Contribution of the Human Cerebellum across Task
Jörn Diedrichsen1, Maedbh King2, Carlos Hernandez-Castillo3
1Brain and Mind Institute, Western University London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Computer Science, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
Neuron
|June 7, 2019
Summary
The human cerebellum performs diverse cognitive functions, challenging the universal computation theory. Research reveals functional heterogeneity, suggesting multiple distinct computations within the same cerebellar circuits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The human cerebellum is implicated in motor control, perception, language, working memory, cognitive control, and social cognition.
- A prevailing hypothesis suggests a uniform computational function across diverse domains due to cerebellar cortex's uniform anatomy and physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight evidence from human neuroimaging literature that documents the functional heterogeneity of the cerebellum.
- To discuss theoretical challenges to the universal cerebellar computation idea.
- To consider the alternative concept of multiple functionality.
Main Methods:
- Review of human neuroimaging literature.
- Analysis of task-evoked activity patterns.
- Assessment of functional connectivity under task-free conditions.
Main Results:
- Evidence demonstrates striking functional heterogeneity within the cerebellum.
- Task-evoked activity patterns show domain-specific engagement.
- Functional connectivity with the neocortex varies significantly.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge the notion of a single, universal computation performed by the cerebellum.
- The cerebellum's functional heterogeneity supports the concept of multiple functionality.
- The same cerebellar circuits may implement distinct computations across different cognitive domains.
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