The gray matter is primarily found in
A PNS
B both CNS and PNS
C CNS
D receptors
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. CNS (Central Nervous System).
Gray matter is primarily found in the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. In the brain, gray matter is predominantly located in the outer layer, known as the cortex, and it contains the cell bodies of neurons, dendrites, and synapses. It plays a crucial role in processing and integrating information, as well as controlling muscle movements, sensory perception, decision-making, and various cognitive functions. The interior regions of the brain, such as the basal ganglia and the thalamus, also contain gray matter.
In the spinal cord, gray matter is found centrally, surrounded by white matter. It consists mainly of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and glial cells. The gray matter in the spinal cord is involved in the integration of sensory and motor information, enabling reflexes and coordination of movement.
On the other hand, white matter, also part of the central nervous system, contains the long, myelinated axons that form the communication pathways between different regions of the brain and spinal cord. While gray matter is responsible for processing information, white matter is involved in transmitting these signals between regions.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, such as sensory and motor neurons. It does not have the same distinct organization of gray matter like the CNS. The PNS consists of ganglia (collections of neuron cell bodies) but does not have the large concentrations of gray matter found in the CNS. Therefore, gray matter is not primarily found in the PNS. Receptors, like those in sensory organs, detect stimuli but do not constitute gray matter.