The prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until about age what?

The prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until about age what?

• A. 18
• B. 21
• C. 25
• D. 30

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the prefrontal cortex, which handles planning, impulse control, and judgment, continues maturing well into the early to mid-20s. This region undergoes processes like synaptic pruning and increased myelination, improving connectivity with other brain areas and leading to more mature executive function. Because this maturation typically completes around the mid-20s, 25 is the best estimate. Ages 18 or 21 are still within late adolescence when the PFC is not fully mature, and 30 is later than the usual completion point, though individual variation exists.

The key idea is that the prefrontal cortex, which handles planning, impulse control, and judgment, continues maturing well into the early to mid-20s. This region undergoes processes like synaptic pruning and increased myelination, improving connectivity with other brain areas and leading to more mature executive function. Because this maturation typically completes around the mid-20s, 25 is the best estimate. Ages 18 or 21 are still within late adolescence when the PFC is not fully mature, and 30 is later than the usual completion point, though individual variation exists.