Grazing land

Gray substance or grey 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 structure of gray matter is distinguished by its dark color, caused by the high cell body content. The gray matter includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control, sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions, and speech.

Function

Gray matter serves to process information in the brain. It is responsible for controlling the muscles, processing sensory information, and maintaining memory and emotions. It also plays a key role in an individual's intelligence, personality, and ability to plan and make decisions.

Clinical significance

Changes in the amount or structure of gray matter in certain brain regions have been associated with several disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism. For example, a decrease in gray matter has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, while an increase has been associated with schizophrenia.

See also

• White matter
• Neuron
• Central nervous system
• Alzheimer's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Autism