The primary difference between ataxia and apraxia lies in:

The distinction between ataxia and apraxia is primarily related to voluntary control of movements. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movements, often resulting in an unsteady gait, tremors, or difficulty with balance and movement accuracy. It is typically associated with dysfunction in the cerebellum or other parts of the central nervous system that are responsible for the coordination and fine-tuning of motor activity.

In contrast, apraxia is characterized by difficulty in planning and executing coordinated movements when no significant muscle weakness or sensory impairment is present. Individuals with apraxia understand the task and the movement required but struggle to perform it due to issues with the planning aspect of motor control.

Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes that the primary difference between these two conditions lies in how voluntary movements are controlled and executed. While ataxia affects the coordination of movements, apraxia affects the ability to plan and initiate those movements despite having the physical capability to perform them.