What is the part of the brain called that contains myelinated nerve fibers, giving it a distinct color?

White matter refers to the areas of the central nervous system that contain myelinated nerve fibers, which are responsible for facilitating communication between different brain regions. The myelin sheath, a fatty substance that surrounds the nerve fibers, gives this part of the brain its characteristic white color. This contrasts with gray matter, which consists mainly of neuronal cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers, leading to its darker appearance.

The distribution of white matter is crucial for the brain's functionality, as it enables efficient transmission of signals, allowing for coordination and integration of information across various neural pathways. Understanding the role and structure of white matter is essential in comprehending how the brain processes and relays information effectively.