In the spinal cord, which matter is located on the outside?

In the spinal cord, which matter is located on the outside?

• A. Gray outside
• B. White outside
• C. Gray inside
• D. White inside

Answer: (B)

The outside of the spinal cord is white matter because it contains myelinated axons arranged in tracts that run up and down the cord. This outer layer surrounds the inner gray matter, which houses neuron cell bodies and synapses. In cross-section, gray matter forms the central H-shaped area, while white matter wraps around it in the outer regions. This organization contrasts with the brain, where gray matter is on the outside.

The outside of the spinal cord is white matter because it contains myelinated axons arranged in tracts that run up and down the cord. This outer layer surrounds the inner gray matter, which houses neuron cell bodies and synapses. In cross-section, gray matter forms the central H-shaped area, while white matter wraps around it in the outer regions. This organization contrasts with the brain, where gray matter is on the outside.