What is the name of the soft mass of nerve tissue located inside the cranium?

The soft mass of nerve tissue located inside the cranium is referred to as the brain. The brain is the central organ of the nervous system and is responsible for processing sensory information, regulating bodily functions, and facilitating cognition and behavior. It is composed of various structures, including the cerebrum and cerebellum, each with distinct roles in the overall function of the nervous system.

Understanding the brain's structure is crucial, as it highlights its complexity and centrality to both voluntary and involuntary actions in the body. The spinal cord, although part of the central nervous system, is located within the vertebral column, not the cranium. The cerebellum and cerebrum are specific parts of the brain; the cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance, while the cerebrum is involved in higher brain functions like thought and action. Therefore, the term that accurately encapsulates the entire soft mass of nerve tissue contained within the skull is the brain.