cerebellum

n. (pl. cerebella) a portion of the hindbrain dorsal to the rest of the brainstem, to which it is connected by the cerebellar peduncles. The cerebellum modulates muscular contractions to produce smooth, accurately timed ballistic movements; it helps maintain equilibrium by predicting body positions ahead of actual body movements, and it is required for some kinds of motor conditioning. [Latin, literally: “little brain,” diminutive of cerebrum]

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

projection neuron

a neuron with a long axon extending some distance from the cell body. Also called Golgi Type I neuron. Compare local circuit neuron.