Which part of the cerebral cortex is responsible for speaking and muscle movements?

The frontal lobes play a crucial role in both speaking and the coordination of muscle movements. This area of the brain is associated with various higher cognitive functions, but it is particularly significant for motor control, including the muscles involved in speech. Specifically, the Broca's area, located in the left frontal lobe for most right-handed individuals, is directly involved in the production of language and speech.

Additionally, the frontal lobes are responsible for planning, decision-making, and voluntary movement, which includes the intricate muscle coordination needed when speaking. This makes the frontal lobes essential for not just generating language but also for controlling the physical movements required to articulate words.

The other brain regions mentioned have different main functions. The parietal lobes are primarily involved in processing sensory information and spatial awareness, while the occipital lobes are responsible for visual processing. The temporal lobes are significant for auditory processing and memory but are less directly involved in the production of speech compared to the frontal lobes.