Fill in the Blank QuestionFill in the blank question.The spinal cord consists of a core of matter surrounded by matter.

The spinal cord consists of a core of gray matter surrounded by white matter.

Explanation

The structure of the spinal cord is divided into two main types of tissue: gray matter and white matter. Gray matter is primarily composed of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. It typically forms the "H"-shaped or butterfly-shaped core of the spinal cord and is essential for processing information and relaying messages within the nervous system. In contrast, white matter surrounds the gray matter and is composed mainly of myelinated axons, which are covered in a fatty substance called myelin. This myelination allows for faster transmission of electrical signals along the nerve fibers. Thus, the distinction between gray and white matter is crucial for understanding the functional organization of the spinal cord and its role in the central nervous system.