Myelination (the coating or covering of axons with myelin) begins around birth and is most rapid in the first 2 years but continues perhaps as late as 30 years of age.

At what stage does myelination occur?

The next developmental process that greatly contributes to brain growth and maturation is myelination. Myelination begins early in the 3rd trimester with the most rapid period of myelination occurring in the first two years of life.

Why does myelination occur?

Myelin enables nerve cells to transmit information faster and allows for more complex brain processes. The myelination process is vitally important to healthy central nervous system functioning. Myelination also occurs in the peripheral nervous system.