Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which statement best differentiates gray matter from white matter in the human nervous system?
A
Gray matter is responsible for transmitting signals over long distances, while white matter processes information locally.
B
Gray matter consists mainly of neuronal cell bodies, while white matter is composed primarily of myelinated axons.
C
Gray matter is found only in the spinal cord, while white matter is found only in the brain.
D
White matter contains more blood vessels than gray matter.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural and functional differences between gray matter and white matter in the human nervous system. Gray matter primarily consists of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons, while white matter is composed mainly of myelinated axons.
Step 2: Recognize the roles of gray matter and white matter. Gray matter is involved in processing and integrating information locally, such as in the brain's cortex and spinal cord. White matter facilitates the transmission of signals over long distances between different regions of the nervous system.
Step 3: Evaluate the anatomical locations of gray and white matter. Gray matter is found in the brain (e.g., cerebral cortex, basal ganglia) and spinal cord (e.g., dorsal and ventral horns). White matter is also present in both the brain (e.g., corpus callosum) and spinal cord, forming pathways for communication.
Step 4: Analyze the incorrect statements in the problem. For example, the claim that gray matter is found only in the spinal cord and white matter only in the brain is false, as both types of matter are present in both structures. Similarly, the statement that white matter contains more blood vessels than gray matter is not accurate.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct differentiation is based on composition: gray matter consists mainly of neuronal cell bodies, while white matter is composed primarily of myelinated axons. This distinction is fundamental to understanding their respective roles in the nervous system.