Which of the following correctly identifies the three major parts of the brain?

• A. Cerebrum, hypothalamus, and brain stem
• B. Cerebellum, medulla, and spinal cord
• C. Cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord
• D. Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem

Answer: (D)

The three major divisions of the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. The cerebrum is the large, outer part responsible for thinking, sensation, and voluntary movement. The cerebellum sits at the back and coordinates balance, posture, and smooth, precise movements. The brain stem sits at the base of the brain and controls basic life-supporting functions such as breathing, heart rate, and the relay between the brain and spinal cord. Spinal cord is not a part of the brain, and structures like the hypothalamus are inside the brain but do not constitute one of the three broad divisions. So the correct identification is cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.