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Discuss how the cerebellum plays a role in memory processing.

User Zerowords
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Final answer:

The cerebellum plays a role in memory processing, specifically in procedural memory and motor learning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cerebellum plays a role in memory processing, specifically in procedural memory. Procedural memory is motor memory, such as learning to ride a bicycle. The cerebellum receives signals from muscles, tendons, joints, and the ear to control balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills. It also plays a role in classical conditioning, which is a form of motor learning.

One example of the cerebellum's role in memory processing is a classical conditioning experiment where subjects are trained to blink in response to a puff of air to the eyes. When the cerebellums of rabbits were damaged, they were unable to learn this conditioned eye-blink response. This indicates that the cerebellum is involved in motor learning and procedural memory.

In conclusion, the cerebellum, which is 10 percent of the mass of the brain, plays a vital role in memory processing, particularly in motor memory and procedural memory.

User Prakash Laxkar
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