What is the Difference Between Cerebrum and Cerebellum?

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The cerebrum and cerebellum are two distinct areas of the brain with different functions and structures. Here are the key differences between them:

Cerebrum:

  • Largest part of the brain, accounting for 85% of the brain's weight.
  • Responsible for voluntary movement, intelligence, and memory.
  • Comprised of two cerebral hemispheres, each consisting of four lobes: temporal, parietal, occipital, and frontal.
  • Divided into two sections: the telencephalon (front part) and diencephalon (rear part).
  • Controls and coordinates almost all functions necessary for life.

Cerebellum:

  • Second-largest part of the brain, accounting for 10% of the brain's weight.
  • Responsible for motor coordination, posture maintenance, and balance.
  • Located in the hindbrain.
  • Composed of two cerebellar hemispheres and a medial vermis.
  • Contains three lobes (anterior, posterior, and flocculonodular).
  • Controls precision, coordination, accuracy of timing, and posture.

In summary, the cerebrum is responsible for higher mental functions, voluntary movement, and memory, while the cerebellum focuses on motor coordination, posture, and balance. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, contributing nearly 80% of its total weight, whereas the cerebellum is the second-largest part of the brain and is responsible for coordinating physical movements and maintaining balance.

Comparative Table: Cerebrum vs Cerebellum

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the cerebrum and cerebellum:

Characteristic Cerebellum Cerebrum
Component of Brain Hindbrain Forebrain
Size Second largest part Largest part
Functions Coordination, movement, and balance Voluntary movement, intelligence, and memory
Lobes/Hemispheres Two hemispheres Two hemispheres (each with four lobes: temporal, parietal, occipital, frontal)
White Matter Does not form arbor vitae Forms arbor vitae
Grey Matter Upper part No specific region
Part of Central Nervous System Part of hindbrain Part of forebrain
Responsibilities Precision, coordination, accuracy of timing, and posture Controls voluntary movement, intelligence, and memory

The cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain, contributing nearly 80% of its total weight, and is responsible for voluntary movement, intelligence, and memory. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is the second-largest part of the brain and controls precision, coordination, accuracy of timing, and posture.