Where is white matter located?

White matter is located in the deeper tissues of the brain (subcortical).

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Subcortical Location: As the reference indicates, white matter resides in the deeper regions of the brain, beneath the cerebral cortex. This is often referred to as the subcortical area.

• Composition: White matter primarily comprises nerve fibers (axons), which are extensions of nerve cells (neurons).

• Myelin Sheath: Many of these nerve fibers are covered in a myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds up the transmission of electrical signals. The myelin sheath is what gives white matter its characteristic color.

  • Without myelin, the underlying nerve fibers would appear grey.

• Function: The primary function of white matter is to facilitate communication between different brain regions. It connects various areas of the cortex to each other and to other parts of the brain and spinal cord.

  • Think of it as the brain's internal wiring.