Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum, Structure and Functions
Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum is that the cerebrum makes up 83% of the brain, while the cerebellum makes up 11%. The cerebrum is in the forebrain, while the cerebellum is in the hindbrain.
Krati Saraswat23 May, 2025
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Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum: The human brain, a vital component of the central nervous system, is divided into two major divisions, the cerebrum and cerebellum, each of which plays an essential role in our daily functioning. Differences in size, location, and composition distinguish these two brain components.
The cerebrum, the largest portion of the brain, accounts for approximately 83% of total brain mass. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is much smaller, accounting for only about 11% of total brain mass. The cerebrum is found in the forebrain, while the cerebellum is found in the hindbrain. To summarise, the following are the key difference between cerebellum and cerebrum.| NEET Biology Syllabus | NEET Biology Diagrams |
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Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum Overview
The cerebellum is the second-largest part of the brain, located beneath the cerebrum. It accounts for more than half of the neurons in the brain, with gray matter in the upper region and white matter in the center. The cerebellum, also known as the "little brain," is divided into two hemispheres and has a wrinkled surface similar to the cerebrum. The cerebrum, on the other hand, is the largest part of the brain, located in the upper cranial cavity. It accounts for more than 80% of the total brain and is divided longitudinally into left and right hemispheres by the cerebral fissure. The corpus callosum connects these hemispheres. The following article will elaborate on the detailed difference between cerebellum and cerebrum.Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum
The human brain, the result of millions of years of evolution, is the most intricate structure in the human body. It oversees and harmonizes nearly all vital functions required for life to exist. The following are the main difference between cerebellum and cerebrum:| Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | Cerebellum | Cerebrum |
| Functions | Coordinates and regulates posture, movement, and balance. | Controls voluntary functions like willpower, memory, and intelligence. |
| Size | Smaller than cerebrum. | Larger than cerebellum, being the largest part of the central nervous system. |
| Part of | Hindbrain. | Forebrain. |
| Presence of Cavity | Has two cavities known as lateral ventricles. | No presence of cavity. |
| Presence of Hemisphere | Two cerebellar hemispheres connected to the brain stem. | Two cerebral hemispheres, each with four lobes. |
| Memory | Associated with memory in rare situations. | It is always associated with memory. |
| Fibers | Vermis connects two sides of the hemisphere. | Corpus callosum connects two sides of the hemisphere. |
| Arbor Vitae Formation | White matter forms arbor vitae. | White matter does not form arbor vitae. |
| Neurons Present | Consists of over 50% of the total neurons present in the brain. | Contains fewer neurons compared to the cerebellum. |
Cerebellum
The cerebrum, accounting for nearly 80% of the brain's total mass, is nine times larger than other brain components. Positioned in the upper cranial cavity as part of the forebrain, it consists of two hemispheres, each enveloped by gray matter and white matter. The corpus callosum interconnects these hemispheres, facilitating communication between them.Cerebrum
The cerebellum is the second largest part of the brain, accounting for only 11% of the total brain mass. It has two hemispheres, similar to the cerebrum, and outer gray matter and inner white matter. This region contains 50% of the brain's neurons and glial cells. Each cerebellar hemisphere has anterior, posterior, and flocculonodular lobes. These lobes are in charge of functions such as learning, reasoning, and maintaining balance and posture. The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, beneath the occipital and temporal lobes of the cerebrum. It is located in the hindbrain, behind the pons and above the brain stem. The cerebellum develops after the division of the metencephalon. It is divided by the "Tentorium cerebelli," with the "Vermis" connecting the two hemispheres. This midline structure contains both gray and white matter. The cerebellum also has three lobes: anterior, posterior, and flocculonodular. The cerebellum is further divided into three zones: Vermis zone (midline area linking hemispheres), Intermediate zone (between the vermis and lateral hemisphere), and Lateral hemisphere (located lateral to the intermediate zone). The cerebellum's primary function is to control the brain and send signals to various parts of the body to perform specific tasks. This is why it is often called the "little brain." Physics Wallah offers a variety of NEET online courses that can help candidates crack the NEET exam. Our NEET Online Coaching program includes regular assessments, mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions.Difference Between Cerebellum and Cerebrum FAQs
What are the difference between cerebellum and cerebrum?
The cerebellum, positioned beneath the cerebrum, is responsible for coordinating muscle movements, maintaining posture, and balance, particularly in activities like running, walking, jumping, and eye coordination. On the other hand, the cerebrum handles voluntary muscle movements, memory, and intelligence.
What is the function of the cerebrum and cerebellum?
The cerebrum is involved in higher functions such as interpreting touch, vision, hearing, speech, reasoning, emotions, learning, and fine movement control. Conversely, the cerebellum, located beneath the cerebrum, coordinates muscle movements, maintains posture, and ensures balance.
What are the similarities between the cerebellum and the cerebrum?
Both the cerebellum and cerebrum are integral parts of the brain, equipped with billions of neurons to process and transmit information. They share a layered structure, with the cerebrum having six layers and the cerebellum possessing three layers.
What are the four types of cerebellum?
The cerebellum comprises four nuclei – dentate, globose, emboliform, and fastigial. These nuclei communicate with distinct regions of the brain and cerebellar cortex, receiving projections from mossy fibers and climbing fibers, along with inhibitory input from Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex.
What is the oldest part of the brain?
The brain stem, situated as the oldest and innermost region of the brain, is designed to regulate fundamental life functions such as breathing, attention, and motor responses.
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