Final answer:
The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for maintaining balance, coordinating movement, and learning new motor tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which Part of the Brain Helps Maintain Balance?
The part of the brain that helps a child maintain balance is the cerebellum. The cerebellum, often referred to as the "little brain" because of its separate hemispheres and distinctive wrinkled surface, plays a critical role in balance and motor control. It receives messages from the muscles, tendons, and joints, as well as from the vestibular apparatus in the ear, which is responsible for detecting balance. This part of the brain is situated at the base and back of the skull, atop the brainstem. The cerebellum ensures that movements are smooth and coordinated and is also involved in learning new motor tasks, such as riding a bicycle or playing a musical instrument. Additionally, it has roles in cognitive functions, including procedural memory formation. Therefore, option (4) the cerebellum, is the correct answer.