UNIT:1
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENT
Introduction
Growth and development refers to the growth of an organism in size as assessed by
anthropometric measurements of body weight, length, and circumferences (head and
body), as well as changes in body composition, primarily cell number and size, organ size,
and the relative amounts of fat mass and lean mass (muscle, bone, organs). Most of the
relevant concepts about growth and development apply to the fetal period of development,
the focus of this review. This period encompasses the greatest changes in growth rate,
body proportions, and body composition during the life of an organism. In the first third of
gestation (first trimester), during the embryonic period, growth occurs primarily by
increased cell number (hyperplasia). In the middle third of gestation (second trimester),
cell size also increases (hypertrophy) while the rate of cell division stabilizes. In the last
third of gestation (third trimester), the rate of cell division declines while cell size continues
to increase.
Definition of adolescence
Adolescence is the phase of life between childhood and adulthood, from ages 10 to 19. It is
a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of
good health.
Definition of growth
growth refers to the period of rapid physical development and maturation, primarily driven
by hormonal changes associated with puberty, and characterized by a growth spurt in
height and weight, as well as sexual maturation.
Definition of development
Development in adolescence refers to the significant bodily changes that occur as a child
transitions into adulthood, primarily driven by puberty.
, Principles of Growth & development
Key Principles of Growth and Development:
1.Continuous and Discontinuous:
Growth and development are ongoing processes from conception to death, but they also
occur in stages with periods of rapid change and more gradual progress.
2.Predictable Sequence:
Development follows a general pattern, with predictable sequences of growth and skill
acquisition. For example, babies typically roll over before they crawl, and crawl before they
walk.
3.Cephalocaudal and Proximodistal Development:
Development proceeds from head to toe (cephalocaudal) and from the center of the body
outward (proximodistal). This means the head develops before the limbs, and the arms
develop before the hands and fingers.
4.General to Specific:
Development progresses from general, broad movements to more refined, specific actions.
For example, a baby will wave their arms before they can grasp a small object with their
fingers.
5.Individual Differences:
While there are common developmental milestones, each individual develops at their own
pace.
6.Heredity and Environment:
Both genetic factors and environmental influences play a crucial role in growth and
development.
7.Interrelatedness of Different Aspects:
Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development are interconnected and influence
each other.
8.Rapid Development in Early Years:
The early years of life are marked by rapid physical and cognitive growth.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENT
Introduction
Growth and development refers to the growth of an organism in size as assessed by
anthropometric measurements of body weight, length, and circumferences (head and
body), as well as changes in body composition, primarily cell number and size, organ size,
and the relative amounts of fat mass and lean mass (muscle, bone, organs). Most of the
relevant concepts about growth and development apply to the fetal period of development,
the focus of this review. This period encompasses the greatest changes in growth rate,
body proportions, and body composition during the life of an organism. In the first third of
gestation (first trimester), during the embryonic period, growth occurs primarily by
increased cell number (hyperplasia). In the middle third of gestation (second trimester),
cell size also increases (hypertrophy) while the rate of cell division stabilizes. In the last
third of gestation (third trimester), the rate of cell division declines while cell size continues
to increase.
Definition of adolescence
Adolescence is the phase of life between childhood and adulthood, from ages 10 to 19. It is
a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of
good health.
Definition of growth
growth refers to the period of rapid physical development and maturation, primarily driven
by hormonal changes associated with puberty, and characterized by a growth spurt in
height and weight, as well as sexual maturation.
Definition of development
Development in adolescence refers to the significant bodily changes that occur as a child
transitions into adulthood, primarily driven by puberty.
, Principles of Growth & development
Key Principles of Growth and Development:
1.Continuous and Discontinuous:
Growth and development are ongoing processes from conception to death, but they also
occur in stages with periods of rapid change and more gradual progress.
2.Predictable Sequence:
Development follows a general pattern, with predictable sequences of growth and skill
acquisition. For example, babies typically roll over before they crawl, and crawl before they
walk.
3.Cephalocaudal and Proximodistal Development:
Development proceeds from head to toe (cephalocaudal) and from the center of the body
outward (proximodistal). This means the head develops before the limbs, and the arms
develop before the hands and fingers.
4.General to Specific:
Development progresses from general, broad movements to more refined, specific actions.
For example, a baby will wave their arms before they can grasp a small object with their
fingers.
5.Individual Differences:
While there are common developmental milestones, each individual develops at their own
pace.
6.Heredity and Environment:
Both genetic factors and environmental influences play a crucial role in growth and
development.
7.Interrelatedness of Different Aspects:
Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development are interconnected and influence
each other.
8.Rapid Development in Early Years:
The early years of life are marked by rapid physical and cognitive growth.
