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GCSE Biology · key term
The region at the back of the brain that coordinates muscle movement and helps maintain balance.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.5.2.2 · Paper 2
Revise: The BrainThe cerebellum is smaller and sits towards the back, below the cerebrum. It coordinates muscle activity and balance, helping movements such as catching a ball happen smoothly. The medulla is at the base of the brain, where it joins the spinal cord.
Specification 2.10B · Paper 1
The region at the back and base of the brain that coordinates muscular activity, balance and posture.
On a brain diagram, distinguish the large, folded cerebral cortex from the smaller cerebellum at the back and the medulla at the base.
Match the function precisely: the cerebral hemispheres initiate voluntary actions, whereas the cerebellum coordinates those movements.
If given symptoms, work backwards from the lost function: poor balance suggests the cerebellum; disrupted breathing or heart-rate control suggests the medulla oblongata.
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The cerebellum lies underneath the cerebral hemispheres at the back and base of the brain. It does not normally decide that a movement should begin. Instead, it coordinates muscular activity so that the required muscles contract in the correct order, with suitable timing and force.
Specification B3.1f · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
The region beneath the rear of the cerebrum that coordinates muscle activity, movement and balance.
Revise: The brainThe cerebellum lies beneath the rear of the cerebrum. It coordinates muscle activity so that movements are smooth, accurately timed and controlled. It is also important for posture and balance.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A brain region that co-ordinates conscious movement and muscular activity, including balance.
Revise: Brain Structure and FunctionThe three regions required here are the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum and the brain stem.