Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org
Figure 3.9 The Limbic System
This diagram shows the major parts of the limbic system, as well as the pituitary gland, which is controlled by it.
The cerebellum (literally, “little brain”) consists of two wrinkled ovals behind the brain stem. It functions to
coordinate voluntary movement.
People who have damage to the cerebellum have difficulty walking, keeping their balance, and
holding their hands steady. Consuming alcohol influences the cerebellum, which is why people
who are drunk have more difficulty walking in a straight line. Also, the cerebellum contributes to
emotional responses, helps us discriminate between different sounds and textures, and is
important in learning (Bower & Parsons, 2003). [2]