BACK
TO
TOP
Browse A-Z
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

White matter of the brain

White matter is found in the deeper tissues of the brain (subcortical). It contains nerve fibers (axons), which are extensions of nerve cells (neurons). Many of these nerve fibers are surrounded by a type of sheath or covering called myelin. Myelin gives the white matter its color. It also protects the nerve fibers from injury. It improves the speed and transmission of electrical nerve signals along extensions of the nerve cells called axons.

By comparison, gray matter is tissue found on the surface of the brain (cortical). It contains the cell bodies of neurons, which give gray matter its color.

Open References

References

Brat DJ. Normal brain histopathology. In: Perry A, Brat DJ, eds. Practical Surgical Neuropathology: A Diagnostic Approach. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2.

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, Deyrup AT, Das A. Central nervous system and eye. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, Deyrup AT, Das A, eds. Robbins & Kumar Basic Pathology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 21.

Wen HT, Kadri PAS, Mussi ACM, de Oliviera E, Rhoton AL. Surgical anatomy of the brain. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 2.

  • Brain

    Brain - illustration

    The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

    Brain

    illustration

  • Gray and white matter of the brain

    Gray and white matter of the brain - illustration

    The tissue called gray matter in the brain and spinal cord is also known as substantia grisea, and is made up of cell bodies. White matter, or substantia alba, is composed of nerve fibers.

    Gray and white matter of the brain

    illustration

  • Brain

    Brain - illustration

    The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

    Brain

    illustration

  • Gray and white matter of the brain

    Gray and white matter of the brain - illustration

    The tissue called gray matter in the brain and spinal cord is also known as substantia grisea, and is made up of cell bodies. White matter, or substantia alba, is composed of nerve fibers.

    Gray and white matter of the brain

    illustration

 

Review Date: 1/23/2023

Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

 
 
 

 

 

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.