What is the primary function of white matter in the brain?

The primary function of white matter in the brain is to conduct information between grey matter areas. White matter consists mostly of myelinated axons, which are long projections of neurons that transmit signals quickly across different regions of the brain. This allows for efficient communication between various areas responsible for processing information. The connectivity provided by white matter is crucial for coordinating activities that rely on interactions between different brain regions, such as motor control, sensory processing, and higher cognitive functions.

While grey matter contains the cell bodies of neurons and is primarily involved in processing information, it is the white matter's role in facilitating communication that underpins the functioning of the entire neural network. This arrangement is vital for ensuring that signals can travel rapidly and effectively across the complex architecture of the brain.

The options that involve storing memories, producing hormones, or regulating emotions pertain to different aspects of brain function, which are not directly tied to the conduction of information between grey matter areas. Each of those functions primarily involves the neural activity within grey matter, where processing and integration occur. Thus, they do not encapsulate the specific role of white matter in the brain.