Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

In children's cognitive development, what does the term "myelination" refer to?

1. The growth of dendrites in neurons.

2. The process of insulating neural pathways.

3. The formation of synapses between neurons.

4. The increase in overall brain mass.

The correct answer is: The process of insulating neural pathways.

Myelination refers to the process of insulating neural pathways by forming a protective myelin sheath around the axons of neurons. This insulation is crucial for the efficient transmission of electrical signals between neurons, allowing for faster and more effective communication throughout the nervous system. In children's cognitive development, myelination plays a significant role as it enhances cognitive functions and facilitates the overall development of various skills, including motor coordination and higher-level thinking. While the growth of dendrites and the formation of synapses are also important aspects of neural development, these processes involve different mechanisms. Dendrite growth pertains to the increase in the number and complexity of connections a neuron can make with other neurons. Synapse formation relates to the connections that are established between neurons for communication. The increase in overall brain mass addresses the general growth of the brain, which includes various structural changes but does not specifically refer to the insulation and speed-up of neural transmission provided by myelination.