The cerebellum: organization, functions and its role in nociception.
Our vision of the cerebellum has been gradually transformed throughout the last century from a 'little brain' to a 'neuronal machine' capable of multitasks, all arguably based on a principle computational model. We review here the main functions of the cerebellum in light of its organization and connectivity. In addition to providing a clear and extensive review of the cerebellar literature, we emphasize the role of the cerebellum in nociception, which is novel to the neurophysiology of pain. However, it is premature to conclude that the cerebellum influences sensory experience in the absence of clinical data.
Saab
Carl Y
CY
Department of Neurology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. carl.saab@yale.edu
Willis
William D
WD
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009043:Motor Activity; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012677:Sensation; D014785:Vision, Ocular