Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling voluntary movements?

The part of the brain responsible for controlling voluntary movements is the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is integral for various functions, particularly those involving higher-level processes like thinking, memory, and voluntary muscle control. It consists of two hemispheres and is further divided into lobes, each specialized for different functions.

Specifically, the primary motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe of the cerebrum, is directly involved in the planning and execution of voluntary movements. When you decide to move a muscle—like raising your hand or walking—signals originate in this region and travel down through the spinal cord to activate the necessary muscles.

Although other brain regions like the cerebellum assist in coordinating movement and balance, and the brainstem manages basic life functions, the direct control over voluntary movements primarily stems from the cerebrum's motor cortex. This distinction highlights the specialized roles different parts of the brain play in movement and coordination.