What is the collection of wires that carry signals between various components of a computer system called?

The collection of wires that carry signals between various components of a computer system is referred to as "buses." A bus acts as a communication system that transfers data between components inside or outside of a computer. This includes connections between the CPU, memory, and peripherals. Buses are essential for the operation of a computer system as they facilitate the transfer of data, control signals, and addresses.

Different types of buses exist, including data buses, address buses, and control buses, each serving a specific function in the communication process. The data bus, for example, is responsible for transferring actual data, while the address bus carries information about where the data should be sent or received from.

Other options like data channels and control lines refer to specific parts of the overall bus system or different functions that don't encompass the full range of signal transmission within a computer. Memory banks pertain to storage areas in a computer rather than the connecting pathways. Hence, buses accurately describe the collection of wires responsible for signal transmission between components.