GROSS ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -At the center of the spinal cord is a canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid known as the central canal. The gray matter which surrounds the central canal is composed of the anterior and posterior gray commissures that bridge the anterior and posterior horns of each half of the spinal cord.

Detailed explanation-2: -White matter in the spinal cord is sometimes called superficial tissue because it is located in the outer regions of the brain and spinal cord. Gray matter is situated closer to the center of the central nervous system.

Detailed explanation-3: -In lower segments of the spinal cord, there is less white matter because there are fewer axons traveling to and from the brain. There are also differences in the gray matter. In the cervical segment, the ventral horn (the lower half of the segment) is enlarged.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cross-Section of the Spinal Cord The amount of gray matter is scarce at the thoracic levels as opposed to the cervical and lumbosacral segments. The spinal cord has fissure and sulci. The anterior median fissure is located centrally, and the anterior white commissure is present at its base.