The part of the brain that primarily controls movement is called the motor cortex. Located in the frontal lobe, the motor cortex plays a crucial role in planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.
Specifically, the motor cortex is divided into two main areas: the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex. The primary motor cortex, situated at the back of the frontal lobe, is responsible for sending signals to the muscles to initiate movement. This area has a map-like arrangement known as the homunculus, which represents different body parts. The size of each area in the homunculus corresponds to the level of motor control needed for that body part.
The premotor cortex assists in preparing and organizing these movements, as well as integrating sensory information. Furthermore, other brain regions, such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia, also play important roles in movement coordination, balance, and fine-tuning motor activity.
In conclusion, while the motor cortex is the primary region for controlling movement, it works in conjunction with other areas of the brain to ensure smooth and coordinated actions.