Although gelatinous substance sounds like a kind of jello, it is actually the top part of the posterior (back) horn (a part that sticks out) of the gray matter (substance) in the spinal cord. The gelatinous substance is made up of tiny nerve cells and is involved in the perception of pain. The reason it appears gelatinous, or jello-like, is because it has a very low amount of nerve fibers with myelin (pronounced my-uhlin). Myelin is a fatty substance that covers neurons and helps send messages fast.

Gelatinous substance is also known as substantia gelatinosia, Rolando's gelatinous substance, and Rolando's substance. Gelatinous substance comes from the Latin word "gelatus," meaning "to congeal" and "substantia," meaning "material." Put the two words together and you have "material (that) congeals."

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