Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Brainstem
• D. Thalamus

Answer: (B)

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that plays a crucial role in controlling balance and coordination. Positioned at the back of the brain, the cerebellum integrates sensory information from the eyes, ears, and muscles to fine-tune motor activity. It helps in maintaining posture and equilibrium while coordinating voluntary movements, which is essential for activities that require precise timing and fluid motion, such as walking, throwing, or riding a bike.

The other parts of the brain are involved in various functions but do not specifically focus on balance and coordination to the extent that the cerebellum does. The cerebrum, for instance, is mainly responsible for higher cognitive functions, emotions, and voluntary actions. The brainstem controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate but does not directly manage balance. The thalamus acts primarily as a relay station for sensory information, which means it processes and transmits information but is not involved in motor coordination or balance. Thus, the cerebellum is distinctly the center for these critical physical abilities.