What is referred to as the "little brain" that coordinates movement and balance?

The "little brain" is a common nickname for the cerebellum, which plays a crucial role in coordinating movement and balance. The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, underneath the cerebral hemispheres. Its primary functions include fine-tuning motor activities, helping to maintain posture and balance, and facilitating the smooth execution of voluntary movements.

The cerebellum integrates sensory information from various parts of the body and the brain to ensure that movements are precise and well-coordinated. This is particularly important for activities requiring timing and calibration of movement, such as playing sports or musical instruments.

The other structures mentioned do not primarily manage coordination and balance in the same way. The hippocampus is mainly involved in memory formation, the medulla controls autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, and the limbic system is primarily associated with emotions and memory rather than motor control. Therefore, the cerebellum's distinct role in movement and coordination justifies its description as the "little brain."