About Myelination
Myelination (AKA Myelinization) refers to a, “process of creating the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of the nerves, forming an electrically insulating layer (think of the rubber coating that insulates copper wire). Myelin is an outgrowth of the glial cells. Myelination begins in the 3rd trimester and continues through adolescence. This myelin sheath functions as a layer of electrical insulation that is necessary for the nerves to function correctly.”
This process dramatically improves the nervous system’s processing speeds while lowering the metabolic costs of nerve impulses. How much faster? According to one source, “neural firing becomes three thousand times quicker with myelination.”
Synaptic pruning removes unnecessary brain connections, and myelination makes the remaining connections more efficient.
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Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
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