Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which part of the brain is associated with coordination and balance?

1. Cerebrum

2. Cerebellum

3. Brainstem

4. Thalamus

The correct answer is: Cerebellum

The cerebellum is the part of the brain specifically associated with coordination and balance. It is located at the back of the brain, beneath the cerebrum, and consists of two hemispheres. The cerebellum receives input from various sensory systems and the spinal cord, allowing it to fine-tune motor movements. Its primary functions include regulating voluntary movements, maintaining posture, and ensuring smooth, balanced coordination during activities. In contrast, the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, action, and perception, rather than coordination. The brainstem controls basic life functions, such as breathing and heart rate, while the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information but does not play a direct role in coordination or balance. Thus, the cerebellum is essential for executing precise and coordinated movements, making it the correct answer to this question.