Which side of the brain receives signals from and controls the muscles on the left side of the body?

The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for receiving sensory signals from and controlling the muscles on the left side of the body due to the way neural pathways cross over in the central nervous system. This phenomenon is commonly known as contralateral control. When an impulse originates in the right hemisphere—for example, when you use your right hand to touch your left arm—it is the right hemisphere that coordinates the action by sending commands to the left side of the body.

The design of these pathways allows for a system where each hemisphere processes information and manages actions for the opposite side of the body, which is crucial for coordinated movement and sensory processing. This is why damage to the right hemisphere can often result in issues with movement or sensory perception on the left side.

The other options do not provide the same direct connection. The left hemisphere is primarily responsible for the right side of the body, while the corpus callosum serves as a bridge that connects the two hemispheres and facilitates communication, but does not directly control muscle movements. The cerebellum plays a role in balance and coordination but does not control muscle movement specific to one side of the body.