Alcohol disrupts functioning of the _____, which controls movement and balance.

• A. cerebellum
• B. medulla oblongata
• C. hypothalamus
• D. thalamus

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key terms in the question: 'Alcohol', 'disrupts functioning', and the options provided (cerebellum, medulla oblongata, hypothalamus, thalamus).
2. Understand the role of each brain structure: The cerebellum controls movement and balance, the medulla oblongata regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate, the hypothalamus manages homeostasis and hormone regulation, and the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information.
3. Focus on the specific function mentioned in the question: 'movement and balance'. This directly points to the cerebellum, as it is the brain region responsible for coordinating these functions.
4. Consider how alcohol affects the brain: Alcohol impairs the cerebellum, leading to issues with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, which is why people under the influence of alcohol often exhibit clumsiness or difficulty walking.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'cerebellum' based on its role in controlling movement and balance, which aligns with the effects of alcohol described in the question.