Difference Between Nerve and Tract

Tract vs Nerve

Both nerves and tracts are very important parts in the nervous system that enable the efficient transmission of nerve signals within the body. Neuron is the functional and structural unit of the nervous system. Both nerves and tracts are made up of axons; the long, slender projections of neurons.

Nerve

Nerves are the bundles of axons in the peripheral nervous system. They basically make the electrochemical pathways to transmit nerve signals between sensory organs and central nervous system. Axons are slender projections of neurons that make the nerve network in the body. Usually a single nerve contains many axons, hence referred to as nerve fibers. Each axon is covered with a connective tissue called endoneurium. The few axons are bundled together into a small group called fascicles. Each fascicle is covered with another connective tissue called perineurium. Several numbers of fascicles make the nerve, which is again wrapped with a layer of connective tissue named epineurium. Depending on the signal conducting direction, nerves can be classified into three groups; afferent nerves, efferent nerves, and mixed nerves.

Tract

Tracts are found in the central nervous system. They usually consist of myelinated neurons, collectively called white matter. Tracts connect relatively distance parts of the brain and spinal cord, enabling transmission of nerve signals within the central nervous system.

What is the difference between Nerve and Tract?

• Nerve is found in the peripheral nervous system while tract is found in the central nervous system.

• Unlike the nerves, tracts are responsible to make the white matter of the central nervous system.

• Nerve connects sensory organs and central nervous system while tract connects the distance parts of the central nervous system.