What part of the brain controls voluntary muscle movements?

The cerebrum is the part of the brain responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. This large, uppermost region of the brain is involved in a variety of higher cognitive functions, including coordination of movement, problem-solving, and decision-making. In particular, the primary motor cortex, which is located in the frontal lobe of the cerebrum, directly regulates the movement of skeletal muscles.

The cerebellum, while also important for motor control, primarily assists with balance and the coordination of voluntary movements rather than initiating them. It helps fine-tune movements, ensuring they are fluid and precise. The olfactory lobe and optic lobe are specialized structures for processing sensory information related to smell and vision, respectively, rather than controlling muscle movements.