White matter is a type of tissue found in the brain and spinal cord, primarily composed of myelinated axons. These axons are long projections of nerve cells that transmit signals between different areas of the nervous system. The myelin sheath, which surrounds these axons, helps speed up the communication between neurons, facilitating efficient information processing. In contrast to gray matter, which contains the cell bodies of neurons, white matter appears lighter in color due to the presence of myelin. It plays a crucial role in connecting various brain regions, contributing to functions such as cognition, movement, and sensory processing.