Cortical white matter: no longer a silent partner.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Cortical white matter (WM) has been historically understudied compared to gray matter (GM).
• Traditional views considered WM as passive, neglecting its complex organization.
• Gyrencephalic brains present unique challenges and opportunities for WM research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate traditional assumptions about white matter organization.
• To highlight recent advancements in understanding WM at multiple spatial scales.
• To advocate for a more integrated approach to WM and GM research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on white matter organization.
• Analysis of recent findings on axonal cytoskeleton and myelination.
• Examination of neuroanatomical approaches to global WM organization.

Main Results:

• White matter exhibits complex subcellular, cellular, and supracellular organization.
• Axons are dynamic structures involved in various intra- and inter-axonal processes.
• Research is progressing on axon bundle origins, terminations, and topographical organization.

Conclusions:

• White matter warrants a research focus equal to gray matter.
• A holistic, integrative approach is needed for comprehensive brain investigation.
• Future research should further elucidate the dynamic nature and organization of white matter.