White matter

White matter is a part of the central nervous system composed of nerve fibers that transmit signals and information between different areas of the brain and spinal cord. White matter consists of bundles of axons, organized into three columns per side (anterior, posterior, and lateral), which appear white because they are covered with myelin. This whitish substance is produced by oligodendrocytes, wrapping around nerve fibers and functioning as an electrical insulator, improving the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Myelin is composed of 40% water, lipids, and proteins.

Characteristics of White Matter

White matter contrasts with gray matter, which is mainly made up of neuron cell bodies and dendrites, and is associated with brain areas involved in controlling and processing information. White matter is distributed differently across brain regions, concentrating mainly in the spinal cord and internal areas, playing an essential role in the coordination of cognitive, sensory, and motor activities.

It was originally considered static, but recent studies have shown that it can change and adapt over time, especially in adulthood. White matter plasticity can be influenced by learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More, experience, and various environmental conditions.

White Matter Diseases

White matter diseases can be genetic or acquired, progressive or static, and cause neurological symptoms including muscle weakness, coordination problems, and difficulties in transmitting nerve impulses.

Different pathologies include:

• Demyelinating, of autoimmune, infectious, vascular, or toxic-metabolic nature, in which myelin is damaged or destroyed. Common demyelinating diseases include multiple sclerosis, inflammatory optic neuropathy, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy;
• Dysmyelinating, where myelin is not produced due to synthesis or metabolic errors. Examples include adrenoleukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, and Alexander disease;
• Hypomyelinating, with defective myelination and reduced or incomplete myelin production.