gray matter, the gray nervous tissue found in the cortex of the cerebrum and cerebellum and the core of the spinal cord. It is predominantly composed of neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons. The gray color is produced by cytoplasmic elements seen in all cell bodies and processes not covered by whitish myelin. Nuclei in the gray substance of the spinal cord function as centers for all spinal reflexes. Also called gray substance. Compare white matter. See also cerebellum, cerebral cortex, cerebrum, spinal cord, spinal nerves.
