What is the difference between cerebrum and cerebellum?
Cerebrum and cerebellum are part of human brains. These parts tend to differ in terms of size and location.
The lesson provides a detailed insight into the core difference between cerebrum and cerebellum in tabular and point form.
What Is Cerebrum?
The cerebrum is the principle and largest part of the brain. It is located anteriorly in the cranial cavity of the skull.
The part of the brain is divided into a left cerebral hemisphere and right cerebral hemisphere. Each division is further subdivided into the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobe.
The core function of the cerebrum is for learning, speech, and emotions. It is also responsible for controlling and initiating voluntary activities in the body.
What Is Cerebellum?
The cerebellum is the second largest part of the brain that lies posteroinferiorly. It is located at the back of the skull in the cranial cavity.
The part of the brain is made up of two cerebellar hemispheres and a median vermis. The human cerebellum has three cortex layers.
The core function of the cerebellum is to initiate and regulate muscular activity in the body. It is also responsible for inner equilibrium by secreting hormones.
Comparison Chart: Cerebrum vs Cerebellum
| Basic Terms | Cerebrum | Cerebellum |
| Part of | Forebrain | Hindbrain |
| Size | Largest | Second largest |
| Lobes | Frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital. | Lobes are absent |
| Number of Neurons | Has more than 50% of the total number of neurons in the human brain. | Has a lesser number of neurons. |
| Core Function | Responsible for voluntary actions like walking | Responsible for coordinating involuntary activities like speech |
| Cortical Layers | Has six cortical layers | Has three cortical layers |
| Senses and equilibrium | Responsible for senses | Responsible for equilibrium by secreting hormones |
| Evolutionary progression | Evolve after cerebellum | The first hindbrain to evolve |
| Hemisphere separation | Median longitudinal cerebral fissure | Median vermis |
| Arborvitae formation | Has white matter on the outside | Has white matter on the inside and grey matter on the outside |
Core Difference between Cerebrum and Cerebellum
- The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain while the cerebellum is the second largest.
- The cerebrum is the part of forebrain while cerebellum is the hindbrain
- The cerebrum has two hemispheres which consist of frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobe while the cerebellum has two cerebellar hemispheres and a median vermis.
- The core function of the cerebrum is to initiate voluntary movement while the cerebellum maintains posture and equilibrium.
- The cerebrum has six cortical layers while cerebellum has three cortical layers
- The cerebrum consists of body cells and nerve fibers while the cerebellum consists of cell bodies and dendrites.
- Cerebellum has white matter on the inside and grey matter on the outside while cerebrum has formed arbour vitae.
Similarities between Cerebrum and Cerebellum
- Both are components of the brain
- Both have two hemisphere
- Both have neurons
You May Also Like:
- Difference between Purines and Pyrimidines
- Difference between Haploid and Diploid Cells
- Difference between Dendrite and Axon
Comparison Video
Summary
Cerebrum and cerebellum are the two main parts of the brain. They are responsible for various functions as stated in the article.
The core difference between cerebrum and cerebellum is that cerebrum is a forebrain while cerebellum is a hindbrain.
Besides that, the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain while the cerebellum is the second largest part of the brain.
More Sources and References
- Cerebrum. Wikipedia
- Cerebellum. Khan Academy