Tract

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, a tract is a bundle of nerve fibers (axons) within the central nervous system (CNS) that is surrounded by myelin. These nerve fibers connect neurons in different parts of the brain or spinal cord, facilitating communication between various areas of the CNS.

Related terms

Axon:

A long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that typically conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Myelin:

A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons of many neurons, enhancing the speed at which electrical impulses propagate along the nerve cells.

Central Nervous System (CNS): The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating sensory information and responding accordingly