Cortico-cerebellar interactions during goal-directed behavior

Abstract

Preparatory activity is observed across multiple interconnected brain regions before goal-directed movement. Preparatory activity reflects discrete activity states representing specific future actions. It is unclear how this activity is mediated by multi-regional interactions. Recent evidence suggests that the cerebellum, classically associated with fine motor control, contributes to preparatory activity in the neocortex. We review recent advances and offer perspective on the function of cortico-cerebellar interactions during goal-directed behavior. We propose that the cerebellum learns to facilitate transitions between neocortical activity states. Transitions between activity states enable flexible and appropriately timed behavioral responses.