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White matter of the brain |
| Alternative Names: |
| Subcortical white matter |
| Information: |
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The white matter of the brain refers to the myelin sheath covering all the processes of the nerve cells that exist under the cortex (grey matter). The myelin extends all through the brain down through the brain stem and spinal cord. Myelin is important because it acts as an insulator, and it increases the speed of transmission of all nerve signals. |
Reviewed By: Galit Kleiner-Fisman MD, FRCP(C), Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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