What type of matter is the cerebral cortex primarily composed of?

The cerebral cortex is primarily composed of gray matter. This gray matter consists of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons, which are critical for processing and integrating information in the brain. The presence of numerous nerve cell bodies gives the cortex its characteristic gray color. Additionally, gray matter plays a vital role in functions such as sensory perception, decision-making, and voluntary motor control.

White matter, in contrast, is made up primarily of myelinated axons that facilitate communication between different regions of the brain, leading to a lighter appearance due to the myelin sheath. While both gray and white matter are essential for brain function, the cerebral cortex itself is specifically associated with gray matter due to its composition. Neural tissue refers more broadly to both gray and white matter, while soft tissue is a general term that includes various types of cells and structures not exclusive to the brain or nervous system. Thus, identifying gray matter as the correct answer highlights the specialized structure of the cerebral cortex crucial for its functions.