Final answer:
White matter gets its color from the myelinated axons it contains. Myelin, a lipid-rich substance that insulates axons, enhances the speed of signal transmission, giving white matter its whitish appearance. correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structural component of white matter that gives it a whitish appearance is B) Myelinated axons. Myelin is a lipid-rich substance that forms a sheath around the axons of neurons. This myelin sheath provides insulation for electrical signals that the axons carry, increasing the speed at which these signals are transmitted. The presence of this lipid material is what gives white matter its characteristic pale coloration, which stands in contrast to the gray matter that contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites.
White matter is critical for the efficient transmission of signals throughout the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and the spinal cord. The axons in white matter are bundled together similar to wires in a cable, contributing to the overall function of nervous tissue in relaying information swiftly and efficiently across different parts of the body.