What is gray commissure?

The gray commissure is a band of gray matter in the spinal cord that connects the two halves of the spinal cord. It contains nerve cell bodies, dendrites, and axon terminals, and plays a role in coordinating and transmitting sensory and motor signals between the left and right sides of the body. The gray commissure also contains neurons that are involved in regulating involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. In some areas of the spinal cord, the gray commissure may be very thin or absent, allowing for communication between the left and right sides of the spinal cord to be more direct.