Nervous System Gray Matter
This article is intended for massage therapist that are reviewing to take the national exam of massage therapist who just need to review their anatomy.
Gray Matter - Gray matter is unmyelinated axons. These axons are found in the brain and pons of the brain stem. The thin wrapping of fibrous connective tissue surrounding each axon is a nerve in the endoneurium. In the perineurium the thin fibrous sheath is covering and surrounding each fasicle. The epineurium is a tough, fibrous sheath that covers the whole nerve. So you have the endoneurium, the perineurium, and the epineurium or EPE for short. Oh, you may need to know that fascicles are groups of the wrapped axons.
Reflex arc is a specialized type of neuron pathway. The reflex arc is like a one-way street and is used a defensive mechanism. You pull your hand away from a flame not because you consciously think to do it, but because the ANS system senses danger and immediately reacts. The reflex arc has three separate pathways. The one way street, then the two way street using sensory and motor neurons, and finally the three way street using sensory, motor, and interneurons.
