GRAY SUBSTANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Gray substance, also known as grey matter, refers to the neural tissue found in the brain and spinal cord. It is named after its grayish color which is derived from the numerous cell bodies and dendrites present within it.
In the central nervous system, gray substance forms the outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres and the interior regions of the spinal cord. It is composed of different types of cells such as neurons, glial cells, and unmyelinated axons. Neurons are responsible for transmitting electrical signals within the brain, while glial cells support and provide nutrition to the neurons.
Gray substance plays a crucial role in various cognitive and motor functions. It is associated with the processing and interpretation of sensory information, memory formation, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Additionally, different regions of gray substance are specialized for specific functions. For instance, the cerebral cortex, encompassing the outermost layer of the brain, is responsible for complex cognitive processes such as language, planning, and problem-solving.
Moreover, gray substance is particularly vulnerable to degenerative disorders and diseases. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis can affect the structure and functioning of gray substance, leading to various neurological impairments.
In summary, gray substance refers to the gray-colored neural tissue found in the brain and spinal cord, consisting of neurons, glial cells, and unmyelinated axons. It is involved in essential cognitive and motor functions, and its disruption can lead to neurological disorders.
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Substantia cinerea or grisea, the ganglionic or cellular portion of the brain and spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GRAY SUBSTANCE
- fray substance
- vray substance
- bray substance
- hray substance
- yray substance
- tray substance
- geay substance
- gday substance
- gfay substance
- gtay substance
- g5ay substance
- g4ay substance
- grzy substance
- grsy substance
- grwy substance
- grqy substance
- grat substance
- grag substance
- grah substance
Etymology of GRAY SUBSTANCE
The word "gray" is derived from the Old English word "grǣg", meaning "gray", which is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "graiwaz". The term "substance" originates from the Latin word "substantia", which means "being, essence, substance". When combined, "gray substance" refers to a particular type of substance with a gray color. In specific contexts, such as in neuroanatomy, "gray substance" can refer to the areas of the brain and spinal cord that primarily contain cell bodies and dendrites, as opposed to "white matter" which primarily consists of axons.
Similar spelling word for GRAY SUBSTANCE
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