The _____ controls the body functions of a vertebrate.

lungs
legs
brain
heart
arms

brain

The _____ protects the brain.

hair
skull
heart
lungs
vertebrate

skull

The correct answer is the brain. To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the function of each of the listed body parts.

Lungs: While lungs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, they do not control body functions.

Legs: Legs are part of the musculoskeletal system and are involved in movement but do not control body functions.

Brain: The brain is the central organ of the nervous system and controls all body functions. It sends and receives signals to and from different parts of the body, allowing it to regulate functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, and movement.

Heart: The heart's primary function is to circulate blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. While the heart plays a crucial role in maintaining overall body function, it is ultimately controlled by signals from the brain.

Arms: Similar to legs, arms are also part of the musculoskeletal system and are primarily involved in movement, but they do not control body functions.

Therefore, out of the given options, the brain is the correct answer as it controls the body functions of a vertebrate.