# The Cerebellum --- The **cerebellum** is a part of the [[brain]] that is largely involved in maintaining **proprioception**, or the [[afferent nervous system|sense]] of understanding where some part of your body is in relationship to the rest of the body, and your surroundings. This is also where your "muscle memory" lives—in other words, this is where memories of coordinated muscle movements live. The cerebellum is divided up into an outer **cortex**, inner [[neural tissue|white matter]], and a uniquely shaped **arbor vitae**, which looks a little bit like cauliflower, or a "tree of life" for which it is named. The cerebellum is connected to the rest of the brain via 3 thick nerve tracts or [[peduncles]]. The function of the cerebellum is particularly hindered by the presence of drugs, especially [[alcohol]]. Alcohol intoxication disrupts the cerebellum's ability to maintain a proper [[gait]], as well as [[balance]], [[posture]] and proprioception. This is why abilities such as walking in a straight line, being able to touch your nose, or even standing up straight are difficult to perform with alcohol in the bloodstream. ___