Evidence for Higher Functions of the Cerebellum: Eating and Grooming Elicited by Cerebellar Stimulation in Cats

Abstract

Well-organized eating and grooming behaviors were elicited in cats by stimulation of a zone in the cerebellum that extended from the fastigial nucleus to the superior cerebellar peduncle. Behaviors appeared to result from the facilitation of specific sensorimotor mechanisms, rather than the induction of generalized "drive" states. The results emphasize the need for a broad view of cerebellar function.