Gray matter

Gray matter is a major component of the central nervous system, consisting of neuron cell bodies, neuropil (dendrites and unmyelinated axons), glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes), synapses, and capillaries. Gray matter is distinguished from white matter in that it contains numerous cell bodies and relatively few myelinated axons, while white matter contains relatively few cell bodies and is composed chiefly of long-range myelinated axon tracts.

Structure

The color difference arises mainly from the whiteness of myelin. In living tissue, gray matter actually has a very light gray color with yellowish or pinkish hues, which come from capillary blood vessels and neuronal cell bodies.

Function

Neurons in the gray matter are responsible for processing information in the brain. This includes sensory perception, generation of motor commands, spatial reasoning, conscious thought, and in humans, language processing.

Clinical significance

Changes in the amount of gray matter in certain regions of the brain are thought to occur as a result of many diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder. These changes are often related to a range of symptoms that reflect the function of the affected area.

See also

• White matter
• Central nervous system
• Neuron
• Glial cell

References

Gray matter Resources
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