Abstract

A coordinated movement is easy to recognize, but we know little about how it is achieved. In search of the neural basis of coordination, we present a model of spinocerebellar interactions in which the structure–functional organizing principle is a division of the cerebellum into discrete microcomplexes. Each microcomplex is the recipient of a specific motor error signal — that is, a signal that conveys information about an inappropriate movement. These signals are encoded by spinal reflex circuits and conveyed to the cerebellar cortex through climbing fibre afferents. This organization reveals salient features of cerebellar information processing, but also highlights the importance of systems level analysis for a fuller understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie behaviour.

Author affiliations

1. Sensorimotor Control Group, Department of Physiology, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
2. Division of Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC F10, Lund University, Tornav. 10, 221 84, Sweden.

Correspondence to: Martin Garwicz² Email: martin.garwicz@mphy.lu.se

Published online 15 March 2005

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.