What part of the brain is responsible for coordination and balance?

The cerebellum is the part of the brain primarily responsible for coordination and balance. It is located at the back of the brain, underneath the cerebrum, and it plays a critical role in processing information from the body's sensory systems and coordinating voluntary movements. The cerebellum helps in fine-tuning motor activity, ensuring that movements are smooth, balanced, and precise. Its functions are essential for activities that require timing and spatial awareness, such as walking, running, and other complex motor tasks.

The cerebrum is associated with higher brain functions, including thought, action planning, emotion, and sensory processing, but it does not directly manage balance and coordination in the same way as the cerebellum. The brain stem is responsible for regulating vital functions like breathing and heart rate and does not play a major role in motor coordination. The dura mater is a protective layer of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord; it has no functional role in coordination or balance. Therefore, the cerebellum is the correct choice when considering the part of the brain dedicated to these specific functions.