Decerebration

Decerebration is the removal of cerebral brain function by eliminating some parts (or all of it) of the cerebrum, the most anterior brain part which controls our sensation, thinking, and movements. In experimental animals, this is usually done by cutting across the brain stem or some of its arteries. The cerebrum is then separated by severing the connection with the brain stem and spinal cord. Decerebration leads to the inability of certain reflexes to function while the remaining functional ones become hyper-reactive. The purpose of experimental decerebration is to collect needed research data regarding movement, stimulation, reflexes, and other related physiological mechanisms.