Myelination

/ˌmaɪ.ə.lɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ noun

Definition

The developmental process of forming myelin sheaths around axons, increasing neural transmission speed and continuing into early adulthood.

Etymology

From Greek 'myelos' (marrow) + '-ation' (process of). The process of coating axons with myelin insulation.

Kelly Says

Myelination is your brain getting faster — it wraps nerve fibers in insulation, and it's not fully complete until your mid-20s, which is why the prefrontal cortex matures last!

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