What does the 'show gridlines' option control in a worksheet?

The 'show gridlines' option specifically controls the visibility of the grid lines in a worksheet. When this option is enabled, the faint lines that separate the cells in the worksheet become visible, providing a clear visual structure for the data organized within the cells. Grid lines help users to easily distinguish between different cells and rows, making data interpretation easier. This feature is especially beneficial when working with large datasets, as it enhances readability by creating visual separations.

The other options relate to different aspects of the worksheet but do not pertain to the display of gridlines. Options concerning the display of row numbers, the highlighting of column headers, or the initial view settings do not influence whether the gridlines are visible or hidden. Therefore, option C accurately identifies the specific function of the 'show gridlines' feature.