Cranial Nerves - Anatomy and Functions
Spinal Cord White Matter – Anatomy & Functions
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Several columns of myelinated axons surround the gray matter of the spinal cord. The lipid in the myelin makes the columns appear light in color (white matter).
The columns are referred to as the dorsal funiculus (or posterior funiculus),
lateral funiculus, and
ventral funiculus (or anterior funiculus).
- A short anterior white commissure (not labeled) is also present just anterior to the gray commisure.
- The funiculi, in turn, are divided into several
sensory tracts (some are called fasciculi) and
motor tracts.
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Axons in the sensory tracts (and fasciculi) carry information up the spinal cord to the brain.
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Axons in the motor tracts carry information from the brain down the spinal cord.
Quickly and efficiently learn white and grey matter with these interactive spinal cord quizzes and worksheets.