Recent research has demonstrated important integrating and organizing functions of the cerebellum and vestibular nuclei considerably beyond their conventionally accepted roles in somatic motor coordination. There are major parallels between the newer, expanded concepts of vestibulocerebellar function and the current psychoanalytic understanding of ego functions. This article reviews the various usages of the term "ego" and especially focuses on the principles of ego psychology as developed by Heinz Hartmann. It then reviews the extensive research on nonmotor vestibulocerebellar system (VCS) functions. Finally, it examines significant parallels between ego functions and VCS functions within motor, sensory, vegetative, emotional, and intellectual spheres.