The gray color of the brain's gray matter is due to the presence of cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. These structures are made up of grayish-pink neurons and glial cells.
Gray matter plays a crucial role in information processing and decision-making. It is responsible for sensory perception, muscle control, memory, emotions, and speech.
No, the amount and distribution of gray matter vary in different areas of the brain. For example, the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher brain functions, has a higher concentration of gray matter compared to the cerebellum.
It is a common misconception that the amount of gray matter directly correlates with intelligence. While some studies have shown a link between gray matter volume and certain cognitive abilities, intelligence is a complex trait that involves many different brain regions.
Yes, the brain's gray matter can change throughout our lifetime. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections, can lead to changes in the amount of gray matter in response to learning, experiences, and aging.