Final answer:
The correct answer is A. cerebrum, which contains about 75% of the brain's total volume. It consists of the cerebral cortex and underlying white matter and is responsible for higher brain functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cerebrum contains about 75% of the brain's total volume, making it the largest part of the brain. It consists of the cerebral cortex, which is the outermost layer characterized by folds and grooves known as gyri and sulci. Beneath the cortex lies the white matter, which includes the corpus callosum, the major pathway for communication between the two hemispheres.
The cerebrum is responsible for various higher brain functions, such as processing sensory information, controlling motor function, reasoning, problem-solving, emotions, and learning. In contrast, the cerebellum, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the brain's mass, is involved with motor functions, balance, and posture. The brain stem, including the medulla, connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls life-sustaining functions such as breathing and heart rate.
The meninges are three layers of protective tissue - the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater - that cover the brain and spinal cord, part of the central nervous system (CNS). These layers are crucial for protecting the brain from injury and providing a supportive framework for cerebral and cranial vasculature.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question, 'The _________ contains about 75% of the brain's total volume' is option A. cerebrum.