How can the functional anatomy of spinal cord be described using terms white and gray matter roots nerves tracts?

Gray Matter

* Located in the center of the spinal cord

* Composed of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons

* Divided into dorsal (posterior) and ventral (anterior) horns

* Dorsal horns: contain sensory nuclei that receive and process sensory information from the periphery

* Ventral horns: contain motor nuclei that send out motor commands to the periphery

White Matter

* Located on the outside of the spinal cord

* Composed of myelinated axons

* Divided into ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts

* Ascending tracts: carry sensory information from the periphery to the brain

* Descending tracts: carry motor commands from the brain to the periphery

Roots

* Bundles of axons that enter or leave the spinal cord

* Dorsal (posterior) roots: carry sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord

* Ventral (anterior) roots: carry motor commands from the spinal cord to the periphery

Nerves

* Bundles of axons that connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body

* Spinal nerves: carry sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord and motor commands from the spinal cord to the periphery

Tracts

* Bundles of axons that connect different parts of the spinal cord or the spinal cord to the brain

* Ascending tracts: carry sensory information from the periphery to the brain

* Descending tracts: carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord