Cerebellum
The cerebellum lies in the posterior cranial fossa.
It is at the bottom of the brain, tucked underneath the cerebral hemispheres.
The cerebellum, located just dorsal to the brain stem, plays a major role in motor coordination.
Because of its proximity to the brain stem, injuries which cause swelling of the cerebellum can compress the brain stem, and thus can rapidly become life-threatening.
The cerebellum is located behind the dorsal aspect of the pons and the medulla.
It is separated from the occipital lobe by the tentorium and fills most of the posterior fossa.
A thinner midline portion, the vermis, separates two lateral lobes, or cerebellar hemispheres.
The external surface of the cerebellum displays narrow, ridge-like folds termed folia, most of which are oriented transversely.
The cerebellum includes the vermis and two lateral lobes.
It functions at a subconscious level and provides skeletal muscles with precise timing and appropriate patterns of contraction needed for smooth, coordinated movements.
