What is the purpose of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is a structure located at the back of the brain that controls motor activity. It plays a major role in maintaining posture and balance and in coordinating voluntary movements. It is also believed to play a role in motor learning and may play a role in language.

The cerebellum is located beneath the cerebral cortex and behind the pons, or upper brain stem. Animals and humans with damage to this structure usually exhibit problems with motor activity on the side of the body opposite to the side of the cerebellum that is damaged. They can still move, but their movements lack coordination and precision.