White Matter

White matter is a vital component of the brain and spinal cord, consisting mainly of myelinated nerve fibers or axons. It connects different brain regions, facilitating communication between them. The myelin sheath, which gives white matter its color, acts like insulation, allowing electrical signals to travel quickly and efficiently. This speed is crucial for coordinating bodily functions, processing information, and supporting cognitive abilities. Essentially, while gray matter contains the brain's neurons and is involved in processing and thinking, white matter serves as the network that links these neurons together, enabling overall brain function.