Cerebellum

The cerebellum — a fist-sized region in back of the brain (below occipital/temporal lobes, above brainstem) — acts as the “little brain.” It coordinates voluntary muscle movement, balance, posture, and fine-tuning/precision of motor activity (fingers performing surgery). It might be involved in learning, attention, emotional processing. In adaptive prediction, the cerebellum acts as a “prediction engine,” making mental models of the environment to anticipate sensory information. Comparing predicted outcomes with actual sensory feedback and making adjustments leads to smooth, accurate movement. The cerebellum is somewhat protected from trauma, but when damaged can cause loss of fine movement, slowed ability to walk, tremors, dizziness, and slurred speech.