Meaning & use
cerebellum
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountablemedicalbiology
The lower back part of the brain that controls balance, posture, and smooth muscle movement.
Grammar: Countable; often used with the definite article: the cerebellum.
Patterns
- the cerebellum controls something
- damage to the cerebellum
The cerebellum helps you keep your balance when you walk.
Damage to the cerebellum can cause clumsy movements.
The cerebellum is located beneath the cerebrum at the back of the skull.
Word forms
| plural | cerebella |
|---|---|
| plural | cerebellums |
Common combinations
- the cerebellum controls balance
- The cerebellum controls balance and coordination.
- cerebellar damage
- Cerebellar damage can lead to unsteady walking.
- cerebellum function
- Researchers study cerebellum function in athletes.
Word family
- cerebellar adjective
- Relating to the cerebellum.
Commonly confused: cerebellum or cerebrum?
cerebellum vs cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for thought and voluntary action, while the cerebellum is the smaller part at the back that coordinates movement.
Practice
Which part of the brain is mainly responsible for balance and coordination?
Choose one answer.
The cerebellum coordinates balance and posture. The cerebrum handles thinking, the brainstem controls basic life functions, and the hypothalamus regulates hormones and temperature.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cerebellum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.