Question

The posture and equilibrium are maintained by which part of the brain?
(a) Hypothalamus
(b) Medulla oblongata
(c) Cerebrum
(d) Cerebellum

Answer 1

Hint: The balance and posture centre of the body is situated in the back of the head. This part of the brain is responsible for synchronizing voluntary movements.

Complete answer:
The cerebellum is located at the back of the head. Its purpose is to coordinate voluntary muscle movements and to maintain posture, balance, and equilibrium.
- The hypothalamus is situated on the lower surface of the brain. It is present just below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland, to which it is attached by a stalk. The function of the hypothalamus is to connect the nervous system to the endocrine system through the pituitary gland. It also secretes hormones.
- The medulla oblongata is a part of the brain that extends into the spinal cord and it is a centre for respiration and circulation. Sensory and motor neurons that arise from the forebrain and midbrain pass through the medulla.
- The cerebrum is situated within the bony skull. The cerebral hemispheres make up the largest part of the human brain. It is related to higher brain function such as thought and action.
- The cerebellum is located at the back of the head. It is responsible for a number of purposes including motor skills such as balance, coordination, and posture.

So, the correct answer is “cerebellum”.

Note: Damage to the cerebellum can result in loss of coordination of motor movement i.e. asynergia, the incapability to judge distance and when to stop i.e. dysmetria, the incapability to perform rapid alternating movements i.e. adiadochokinesia, movement tremors, staggering, a wide- based walking tendency toward falling, weak muscles, slurred speech, and abnormal eye movements.