Final answer:
The gray matter of the spinal cord contains cell bodies of neurons, neuroglia, and unmyelinated axons and dendrites, and is central to processing and transmitting signals within the CNS. It takes on a butterfly shape in cross-section and is vital for sensory and motor signal transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gray matter of the spinal cord does contain cell bodies of neurons, including interneurons and motor neurons. It also contains neuroglia and unmyelinated axons and dendrites. This region is critical for processing and relaying signals within the central nervous system (CNS). The gray matter, which can appear pink or slightly tan in living tissue, is in stark contrast to the white matter, which is composed of myelinated axons that give it a whiter appearance due to their lipid-rich myelin sheath.
In a cross-section of the spinal cord, this gray matter takes on a butterfly shape and is central to the transmission of signals. The dorsal regions of the gray matter largely convey sensory information from the body to the brain, while the ventral regions are primarily involved in sending signals that control movement from the brain to the rest of the body. Furthermore, all synapses in the spinal cord are located in the gray matter, forming a network that facilitates neural communication.