GLOSSARY

Grey matter (gray matter) is the part of the central nervous system composed mainly of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, unmyelinated axons, synapses, and glial cells, and is the main site of information processing.
Its pinkish-grey colour reflects the lack of myelin and its rich blood supply.

Location

• Brain: the cerebral and cerebellar cortex (the surface layer) and deep nuclei (such as the basal ganglia and thalamus).
• Spinal cord: in the centre, shaped like a butterfly or the letter H, with dorsal, ventral, and lateral horns.

Function