Which of the following is a function of the basal nuclei?

• A. processing of sensory information
• B. determining whether a person is left- or right-handed
• C. starting, stopping, and monitoring arm swinging and gait
• D. connecting corresponding areas of the cerebral cortex to enable them to function as a coordinated whole
• E. regulation of body temperature

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of basal nuclei: The basal nuclei, also known as basal ganglia, are a group of structures in the brain that are primarily involved in the control of movement.
2. Identify the functions related to movement: The basal nuclei are crucial for initiating and regulating voluntary movements, which includes starting, stopping, and monitoring movements such as arm swinging and gait.
3. Differentiate from sensory processing: Processing of sensory information is primarily a function of the sensory areas of the cerebral cortex, not the basal nuclei.
4. Consider lateralization: Determining whether a person is left- or right-handed is related to brain lateralization, which involves the cerebral hemispheres rather than the basal nuclei.
5. Exclude unrelated functions: Regulation of body temperature is controlled by the hypothalamus, not the basal nuclei, and connecting areas of the cerebral cortex is a function of the corpus callosum.