Pediatrics: Growth and Development

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to pediatric growth and development, designed for exam preparation.

Growth

An increase in the physical size and mass of an individual or a single organ.

Development

The process of acquiring skills in an orderly and predictable manner involving refinement and specialization of functions.

Factors Affecting Growth

The interplay of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and nutritional determinants influencing growth and development.

Genetic Factors

Traits inherited from parents, such as height and intelligence, that can impact growth.

Growth Patterns

Normal human growth characterized by periods of rapid growth and periods of seeming quiescence.

Hormonal Factors

The interaction and balance of hormones critical for normal growth and development.

Prenatal Period

The time before birth when rapid growth occurs and environmental factors play a significant role.

Postnatal Period

The time after birth when environmental factors continue to influence growth and development.

Neonatal Period

The first 28 days of life, crucial for physiological stability and sensory development.

Infancy

The period of rapid growth and development from birth to 12 months.

Toddler Period

The developmental stage from ages 1 to 3 years characterized by increased independence.

Preschool Period

The age range of 3 to 6 years, where children develop social and cognitive skills.

School-age Period

The development stage from ages 6 to 12 years marked by formal education and cognitive advancement.

Growth Measurement

Assessment of body metrics such as weight, height, and head circumference to evaluate growth.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

An indirect measure of body fat calculated using weight and height.

Growth Charts

Tools used to compare individual growth to established norms for age and gender.

Developmental Milestones

Key functional skills demonstrated by children at specific ages.

Cephalocaudal Growth

Development that occurs from the head downward, progressing to the lower parts of the body.

Proximo-distal Growth

Development that occurs from the center of the body outward.

Fine Motor Skills

Skills involving eye-hand coordination and manipulation of objects.

Gross Motor Skills

Skills involving large movements and coordination of the body's muscles.

Personal-Social Skills

Skills related to self-help and adaptive functioning within social contexts.

Developmental Surveillance

The process of monitoring a child’s developmental progress at well-child visits.

Developmental Screening

A systematic procedure to identify children who may have developmental delays.

Republic Act 6972

The law in the Philippines that promotes early childhood care and development.

Republic Act 8980

The law providing a comprehensive range of health, nutrition, and early education services for children ages 0-6.

Nutrition's Role in Growth

Adequate nutrition is essential for normal growth and brain development in children.

Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Delayed growth of a fetus due to various factors, often leading to health issues post-birth.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve to improve the speed of signals in the nervous system.

Dental Growth

The development and eruption of teeth, which begins in utero and continues through childhood.

Triceps Skinfold Thickness

A measure used to assess body fat that involves measuring the skinfold at the back of the upper arm.

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)

A measurement used to assess nutritional status in children.

Prenatal Nutrition

The dietary intake during pregnancy that significantly affects fetal growth and development.

Child Mortality and Growth Deficits

A correlation where deficits in growth have been linked to increasing child mortality rates.

Lymphatic System Growth

The growth of lymphatic tissues, which peaks at around 10-12 years of age.

Reproductive System Growth

The growth of reproductive organs that begins slowly before puberty and doubles in size during adolescence.

Environmental Factors

External elements that can influence a child's growth and development both prenatally and postnatally.

Skeletal Growth

The development of bones that continues until the fusion of growth plates in long bones.

Cultural Influences On Growth

Cultural factors that shape feeding habits and child-rearing practices impacting growth.

Developmental Periods

Distinct stages in child development each characterized by specific physical and psychological changes.

Baby's First Teeth

Infants typically begin to erupt their first teeth between 6 to 24 months of age.

Height Measurement Techniques

Methods to accurately measure the height of children, particularly those older than 2 years.

Weight Measurement Techniques

Methods to accurately weigh infants and children, considering their developmental stage.

Endocrine Factors in Growth

The role of hormones such as growth hormone and sex steroids in the growth process.

Gross Motor Development

Development of large muscle groups, evident in activities like running and jumping.

Fine Motor Development

The development of small muscle coordination, evident in skills like drawing and writing.

Language Development

The acquisition of verbal skills and comprehension as children grow.

Visual System Development

The maturation of the eye and related structures during infancy.

Head Circumference Measurement

A key metric in assessing brain growth during infancy.

Social Skills Development

Advances in interpersonal skills that occur during early childhood.

Elasticity of Development

The concept that the rate of child development can vary significantly among children.

Screening Tests

Quick assessments used to evaluate developmental progress against normative data.

Postnatal Growth Influences

Factors such as nutrition and health status affecting growth after birth.

Genetic Disorders Influencing Growth

Hereditary conditions that can impede normal growth and development.

Psychosocial Factors

The interplay of psychological and social factors affecting a child's growth and development.

Normal Variance in Growth Rates

The understanding that individual growth rates can vary significantly among children.

Essential Nutrients For Growth

Key vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth, such as iron and calcium.

Developmental Delays Identification

The process of recognizing delays in reaching expected developmental milestones.

Cognitive Development

The progression of the ability to think and understand as a child grows.

Health Surveillance in Pediatrics

Ongoing checks to ensure children are meeting health and developmental benchmarks.

Environmental Neurotoxins

Harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development during pregnancy.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder resulting from the presence of an extra chromosome 21, impacting growth and development.

Impact of Socioeconomic Status

How a family’s economic conditions can influence a child's growth outcomes.

Childhood Nutrition Programs

Initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits in children to support healthy growth.

Guidelines for Child Health Monitoring

Health frameworks that guide the assessment and enhancement of child growth and development.

Parental Involvement in Development

The role of families in facilitating and promoting their children's developmental progress.

Cognitive Abilities Growth

The increase in knowledge and mental processes as children age.

Communication Skills in Children

The ability to express thoughts and feelings through verbal and non-verbal means.

Self-help Skills in Development

Development of abilities allowing children to perform tasks independently.

Behavioral Patterns in Growth

Observed behaviors that reflect a child's developmental stage.

The Role of Play in Development

Play as a crucial activity contributing to various aspects of a child's growth.

Child Mortality Factors

Various circumstances contributing to the risk of death in underdeveloped or malnourished children.

Child Health Policies

Regulations and laws designed to promote the health and well-being of children.

Growth Velocity

The rate of growth a child experiences over a certain period.

Anthropometric Measurements

Measurements of the human body used to assess growth patterns.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Conditions that affect the development of the brain and its functions.

Child Behavioral Milestones

Specific behaviors that children typically exhibit at different developmental stages.

Comparison to Peer Growth Standards

Assessing a child's growth against established norms for their age and gender.

Role of Caregivers in Child Growth

Significance of adults in providing support and resources for optimal child development.

Development Disorders Recognition

Identifying unnecessary delays that may signify broader developmental issues.

The Interaction of Body Systems in Growth

How various bodily systems collaborate to support growth and development.

Challenges in Assessing Developmental Progress

Obstacles in accurately evaluating a child's growth due to variations in development.

Infant Health Monitoring

Regular checks to ensure infants are developing and growing properly according to guidelines.