GRAY MATTER Meaning and
Definition
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Gray matter refers to the neural tissue found predominantly in the brain and spinal cord that appears greyish in color. It is primarily composed of the cell bodies, branched dendrites, unmyelinated axons, and glial cells that make up the central nervous system. This tissue is responsible for various cognitive functions, such as perception, memory, emotions, and motor control.
Within the brain, gray matter is found in regions known as nuclei and cortical layers. The cerebral cortex, for instance, contains six layers of gray matter, with each layer having a distinct structure and connectivity. This intricate organization allows for the processing and integration of information received from various sensory systems.
As gray matter contains the majority of neuronal cell bodies, it is densely packed with synapses, facilitating communication between neurons. This makes it a vital component of the central nervous system, as it enables the transmission and integration of signals necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and spinal cord.
Changes in the amount or structure of gray matter have been implicated in various neurological conditions and diseases. Decreases in gray matter volume have been observed in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, while increases have been associated with learning and skill acquisition. Consequently, understanding the intricacies of gray matter and its role in neural processing is key to unraveling the mysteries of the human brain.
Common Misspellings for GRAY MATTER
- fray matter
- vray matter
- bray matter
- hray matter
- yray matter
- tray matter
- geay matter
- gday matter
- gfay matter
- gtay matter
- g5ay matter
- g4ay matter
- grzy matter
- grsy matter
- grwy matter
- grqy matter
- grat matter
- grag matter
- grah matter
Etymology of GRAY MATTER
The word "gray matter" originated from the Old English word "grǣg" which means "gray" or "ashen". "Matter" comes from the Latin word "materia" meaning "substance" or "stuff", which ultimately derives from the same Old English root as "matron" and "matrix". "Gray matter" specifically refers to the grayish-colored tissue found in the brain and spinal cord, which contains numerous nerve cell bodies and serves various cognitive functions.
Idioms with the word GRAY MATTER
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gray matter
Gray matter refers to the brain and its function as the center of intelligence and intellectual activity. It represents a person's ability to think, reason, and solve problems.
Similar spelling words for GRAY MATTER
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