Which of the following best describes the cerebrum?

• A. It controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.
• B. It acts as a relay station for sensory information between the body and the cerebral cortex.
• C. It coordinates balance and fine motor movements.
• D. It is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, and voluntary movement.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the brain and its major parts, including the cerebrum, brainstem, thalamus, and cerebellum.
2. Step 2: Identify the primary functions associated with each brain part: the brainstem controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate; the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information; the cerebellum coordinates balance and fine motor movements.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, and voluntary movement.
4. Step 4: Compare the given options to these functions to determine which description matches the cerebrum's role.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of the cerebrum is that it is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, and voluntary movement.