Motor System
the cerebellum receives sensory and motor input, processes the information, and then sends its output (via Purkinje cells) to deep cerebellar nuclei which integrate the input with other motor control systems
bottom line: cerebellum is involved primarily in controlling the timing and pattern of muscles activated during movement, postural support and maintenance of muscle tone
Purkinje cell firing is correlated with movement (electrophysiological studies)
gonadal steroids have been shown to modulate the firing of Purkinje cells during movement:
- estrogen increases firing rate of Purkinje cells
- progesterone decreases the firing rate of Purkinje cells