Question

Balance of the body is controlled by:
A. Spinal cord
B. Cerebellum
C. Cerebrum
D. Medulla oblongata

Answer 1

The body’s balance system works through a continuous process of position identification, feedback and modification using communication between the inner ear, eyes, muscles, joints and the brain. The inner ear is located deep inside the ear, just beneath the brain. One part of the ear helps in hearing while the other component helps in maintaining balance, dynamic and static equilibrium of the body. The 8th cranial nerve i.e., Vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for this dual function.

Complete answer:
A) Spinal cord- The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system of the body. The brain orders the command for the body, and the spinal cord is the passage for messages sent by the brain to the body and from the body to the brain. The peripheral nervous system consists of the network of nerve fibers that branch off from the left and right sides of the spinal cord via the openings between each vertebra on the spinal canal. These nerve pairs expand throughout the body to pass on the commands from the brain and spinal cord to and from parts of the body.
B) Cerebellum- Cerebellum is the region that is located just below the cerebrum and behind the upper portion of the brain stem. It has a major function of coordination of voluntary motor movement, balance, static and dynamic equilibrium and muscle tone. Cerebellar damage may cause various disorders in coordination, speed, posture and motor learning.
C) Cerebrum- It is the biggest region of the brain. The cerebrum starts and synchronizes movement and regulates temperature of the body. Other areas of the cerebrum help in speech, judgment, thinking and reasoning, problem-solving, emotions and learning.
D) Medulla oblongata- Medulla is located below the brainstem, at the junction of brain and spinal cord. It is very important for survival. Medulla regulates many bodily functions, including heart rhythm, breathing, blood flow, and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The medulla produces activities that need reflex actions such as sneezing, vomiting, coughing and swallowing.

So, the correct answer is option (B) Cerebellum.

Note:
The vestibular system in each inner ear consists of three semicircular canals and two pockets, called the otolith organs. They together provide continuous feedback to the cerebellum about the movements of the head. Each semicircular canal has its own different orientation to identify a variety of movements such as nodding or rotating. Movement of fluid inside the canals caused by head movement stimulates tiny hairs that send messages through the vestibular nerve to the cerebellum.