What is the medical term for the brain?

The medical term for the brain is "encephal/o." This term comes from the Greek word "enkephalos," which directly translates to "inside the head." In medical terminology, "encephal/o" is used as a combining form to denote the brain in various contexts, such as in conditions like encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or encephalopathy (a general term for brain disease).

The other options represent specific components or aspects related to the brain. The cerebellum is an integral part of the brain located at the back that is primarily responsible for coordination and balance. The cortex refers to the outer layer of the brain, specifically the cerebral cortex, which is involved in higher brain functions such as thought, memory, and voluntary muscle movements. Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system that transmit information throughout the brain and body but do not refer to the brain itself. Therefore, "encephal/o" is the most accurate and specific term for the brain.