Which brain structure coordinates balance and motor skills and is located at the lower back of the brain?

• A. Dura Mater
• B. Brain Stem
• C. Cerebellum
• D. Cerebrum

Answer: (C)

The part of the brain that coordinates balance and motor skills and sits at the lower back is the cerebellum. It sits under the occipital lobes at the back, near the brainstem, and its job is to take in information about body position from the inner ear and from sensors in muscles and joints. It then tunes the timing and force of muscle contractions to produce smooth, coordinated movements and maintain balance. It also helps with motor learning, improving accuracy as you practice a skill. If something disrupts its function, movement can become unsteady or jerky, a sign of ataxia.

For comparison, the dura mater is one of the protective coverings of the brain; the brain stem controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate; the cerebrum handles higher functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary actions.