Term: Central nervous system gray matter

Definition: In this scheme, the CNS has three basic divisions—cerebrum, cerebellum, and cerebrospinal trunk, with the latter parcelled into sensory, behavioral state, and motor system components. This arrangement is based on a combination of topographic, embryological, and functional systems (circuit or network) considerations (Swanson 2003a). As reviewed elsewhere (Swanson 2000b), there are many ways of grouping the 10 major CNS regions that are universally recognized in vertebrates: cerebral cortex, cerebral nuclei (basal ganglia), thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain tectum, midbrain tegmentum, pons, cerebellum, medulla, and spinal cord (see part t of Table A). Two are shown in fig. 11 (the one adopted here and one based purely on embryological considerations). Obviously, one can be described in terms of the other. That is, the two can be indexed systematically. The brain as commonly defined today includes the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem (interbrain, midbrain, pons, and medulla).

Nomenclature: Swanson-2004