|
CEREBELLUM AS A SITE FOR PERCEPTION AND COGNITION For long, cerebellum has been known for its involvement in motor coordination. This prevailing idea is perpetuated by the fact that lesions of the cerebellum lead to incoordinated movement and yet do not cause any easily detectable sensory deficit. Cerebellar cortex plays a crucial role in learning the timing of the movement and guides the learning in the deep nuclei. In addition, this hypothesis has been supported by electric stimulation and recording studies during a variety of movements. However, recent evidence shows that cerebellum exerts functions that go beyond this primary function. The hyptothesis is being developed that cerebellum is involved in perception and cognition. Gao et al, present data in the, April 1996 issue of Science, that give further credence to this hypothesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lateral cerebellar nucleus during passive and active sensory performances show that lateral cerebellum is actively involved with motor function as well as the perceptual and cognitive aspects of the tasks. REFERENCES: Gao H-H, Parsons LM, Bower JM, Xiong J, Li J, Fox PT: Cerebellum implicated in sensory acquisition and discrimination rather than motor control. Science, 272, 545-547, 1996
|
 |
