What Part of the Brain Controls Voluntary Movement?


Quick Answer

The cerebellum controls voluntary movement. It is located at the back of the head and also controls muscle coordination and balance. Damage to this part of the brain is known to cause problems in these areas.

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Full Answer

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the cerebellum is one of three primary areas of the brain. The other parts of the brain include the brainstem and the cerebral cortex. Each part of the brain is responsible for different functions.

The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord. It controls man involuntary vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure and pulse rate. Its functions include control of the cranial nerves associated with operation of the five senses. Movement of the eyes and mouth are also controlled by this region.

The cerebral cortex is the largest area of the brain. It is where thinking and problem solving occur. The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes. The frontal lobe is the largest section of the brain and controls personality characteristics. The parietal lobe is responsible for understanding spatial relationships. The occipital lobe controls vision. The temporal lobe controls memory, receptive language, sequencing, and musical awareness. The cortex is divided further into left and right hemispheres. The right hemisphere is primarily responsible for functions that are more visual in nature while the left hemisphere controls verbal functions.

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