What developmental change enables sphincter control around toilet training?

What developmental change enables sphincter control around toilet training?

• A. Myelination of the spinal cord at 2 years
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Growth of teeth
• D. Improved vision

Answer: (A)

The ability to control the sphincters for toilet training comes from maturation of the nervous system, enabling voluntary control over pelvic floor and anal/urethral sphincters. This hinges on myelination of the spinal cord, which speeds and coordinates neural signals necessary for voluntary motor control. As myelination progresses into the toddler years (around 2 years and older), children gain the capacity to hold and release the sphincters as needed, making toilet training feasible. Other developments like appetite, tooth growth, or vision do not directly enable this neuromuscular control and thus don’t support readiness for toilet training.

The ability to control the sphincters for toilet training comes from maturation of the nervous system, enabling voluntary control over pelvic floor and anal/urethral sphincters. This hinges on myelination of the spinal cord, which speeds and coordinates neural signals necessary for voluntary motor control. As myelination progresses into the toddler years (around 2 years and older), children gain the capacity to hold and release the sphincters as needed, making toilet training feasible. Other developments like appetite, tooth growth, or vision do not directly enable this neuromuscular control and thus don’t support readiness for toilet training.