Brain tissue

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Brain Tissue

Brain tissue is the main component of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It is composed of two main types of cells: neurons and glial cells.

Pronunciation

Brain Tissue: /breɪn ˈtɪʃuː/

Etymology

The term "brain" comes from the Old English word "brægen", which means "brain". The word "tissue" is derived from the French word "tissu", meaning "a weave or a cloth".

Types of Brain Tissue

There are two main types of brain tissue: grey matter and white matter.

Grey Matter

Grey matter is composed primarily of neuron cell bodies and their dendrites, which are short branches of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

White Matter

White matter is composed of axons, which are long, thin parts of a neuron that transmit signals to other neurons. White matter gets its name from the white, fatty myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates many axons.

Related Terms

  • Neuron: A cell that transmits nerve signals.
  • Glial Cells: Non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for neurons.
  • Axon: A part of a neuron that carries nerve signals away from the cell body.
  • Dendrite: A part of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.
  • Myelin: A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons.
  • Central Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
  • Grey Matter: Brain tissue composed primarily of neuron cell bodies and their dendrites.
  • White Matter: Brain tissue composed primarily of axons.
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