Collections of Axons

Question 1

A bundle of axons in the PNS. Only one collection of CNS axons is called a nerve: the optic nerve.

Answer 1

Nerve

Question 2

A generic term for a collection of CNS axons. When a freshly dissected brain is cut open, axons appear white.

Answer 2

White matter

Question 3

A collection of CNS axons having a common site of origin and a common destination. Example: corticospinal tract, which originates in the cerebral cortex and ends in the spinal cord.

Answer 3

Tract

Question 4

A collection of axons that run together but do not necessarily have the same origin an destination. Example: medial forebrain bundle, which connects cells scattered within the cerebrum and brain stem.

Answer 4

Bundle

Question 5

A collection of axons that connect the cerebrum with the brain stem. Example: internal capsule, which connects the brain stem with the cerebral cortex.

Answer 5

Capsule

Question 6

Any collection of axons that connect one side of the brain with the other side.

Answer 6

Commissure

Question 7

A tract that meanders through the brain like a ribbon. Example: medial lemniscus, which brings touch information from the spinal cord through the brain stem.

Answer 7

Lemniscus