How does the brain become mature?

Answer 1

The brain becomes more mature as we age. We learn to speak, walk and do other motor functions first as these are "wired" first. Later the outer surface of the brain called the neocortex develops and we begin to think abstractly. Many parts of the brain are not fully myelinated (a type of insulation) at first. We later use more and more of our prefrontal cortex as we and our brain ages. Our brains' ability to make proper and critical decisions do not come about until we are at least 25 years old. The changes that happen between 18 and 25 are a continuation of the process that starts around puberty, and 18 year olds are about halfway through that process. Their prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed. That's the part of the brain that helps you to inhibit impulses and to plan and organize your behavior to reach a goal. This one reason why we do dumb things and get into car wrecks, etc. One person alone will not do some risky things unless there are two or more people watching. Girls brains will mature sooner than boys by nearly 2 years.