In medical science, the detailed scientific study of the structure and function of the brain is called what?

Introduction / Context:
The brain is a central organ of the nervous system and is studied by several branches of science and medicine. Neurology is a major medical speciality that focuses on disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This question tests your ability to select the correct term for the scientific and clinical study of the brain.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options include fields related to medicine and one historical pseudoscience.
• The question asks specifically about study of the brain.
• We assume basic knowledge of common medical branches.

Concept / Approach:
Neurology is the branch of medicine dealing with the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson disease and migraine. Nephrology relates to kidneys, pathology studies diseases in general and phrenology was an outdated approach that tried to link skull bumps with personality and is not considered a valid science today.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the organ of interest in the question, which is the brain. Step 2: Recall that neurology is associated with neurons and the nervous system. Step 3: Match this with the requirement of studying brain structure and function. Step 4: Note that nephrology concerns kidneys and pathology concerns disease processes in many organs. Step 5: Recognise that phrenology is a historical and discredited approach, not the modern medical study of the brain, and choose neurology.

Verification / Alternative check:
Medical curricula and hospital departments list neurology as the speciality responsible for nervous system disorders. Students learn neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as parts of this field. Nephrology departments handle kidney disease, and pathology laboratories examine tissues from many organs. Phrenology appears only in historical discussions as an example of early incorrect ideas about the brain.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b, nephrology, comes from nephros, meaning kidney, and focuses on kidney diseases.

Option c, phrenology, is a pseudoscience that tried to interpret character from skull shape and is no longer considered valid science.

Option d, pathology, studies disease processes in general and is not limited to the brain.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse neurology with psychology or psychiatry. Psychology studies behaviour and mental processes, while psychiatry is a medical specialty focusing on mental disorders. Neurology deals more directly with physical structures and diseases of the nervous system. Distinguishing these fields helps in understanding how different professionals contribute to brain related care.

Final Answer:
The scientific and clinical study of the brain and nervous system is called Neurology.