Coordination Junction

Tom Deerinck and Mark Ellisman, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research (NCMIR).

Many of your movements, from performing complex choreography to writing a letter, are coordinated by the cerebellum. This brain region, located at the base of the brain, is dense with neurons that help execute fine motor functions — they manage the small muscle movements and timing necessary for your most intricate tasks. The above image is a high-resolution scan of a mouse cerebellum.

About the Author

Michael W. Richardson

Michael W. Richardson is a writer and editor based in Brooklyn, New York, covering topics ranging from the brain and behavior to the environment.