AP Psychology Practice Test

What function does the cerebellum serve?

1. Regulating temperature

2. Producing hormones

3. Coordinating voluntary movement and balance

4. Filtering sensory information

The correct answer is: Coordinating voluntary movement and balance

The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance. It plays a crucial role in motor control by integrating sensory information from the body and using that information to fine-tune physical movements. When learning new motor skills, the cerebellum helps in the smooth execution of movements, allowing for precision and timing. For example, when you practice riding a bike or playing a musical instrument, the cerebellum helps automate and refine those skills, contributing to overall motor coordination. In contrast, the other options represent functions of different brain structures or systems. Regulating temperature is mainly handled by the hypothalamus, which maintains homeostasis in the body. Producing hormones is a function of the endocrine system and specific glands like the pituitary, which secretes hormones that influence various bodily functions. Filtering sensory information is a role primarily associated with the thalamus, which acts as a relay station in the brain for sensory inputs before they reach higher processing centers. Thus, the unique role of the cerebellum in movement coordination distinguishes it from these other functions.