GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ENGLISH

                                                       

                                      GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ENGLISH

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GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT-

 

•        The terms 'growth' and 'development' are often used together, but are not interchangeable because they represent two different aspects of  change, that are quantity and quality.

 

•        The term growth is defined as a net increase in the size or mass of tissues. It is mainly related to multiplication of cells and increase in the intracellular substance. 

 

•        Development is defined as maturation of functions or skills. It is related to the maturation of the nervous system and indicates acquisition of a variety of skills for best possible functioning of body.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT-

 

•        Both growth and development are closely related; hence, factors affecting one also tend to have an impact on the other. There are a lot of factors which affect growth and development and now we will discuss them one by one-

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•        Genetic factors-  Parental traits are usually transmitted to their children. Thus, tall parents have tall children; the size of the head is more closely related to that of parents than are the size and shape of hands and feet.

•        chromosomal disorders and mutations in specific genes can affect growth. Chromosomal defects like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome manifest as growth retardation.

 

•        Genetic factors also affects development process. Intelligence of parents has direct correlation on the final IQ of the child. Moreover, certain developmental patterns are observed to follow parental patterns like speech.

 

•        Hormonal factors-  Human fetus secretes thyroxine from the 12^th week of gestation. Thyroxine and insulin have an important role in regulating tissue accretion and differentiation in the fetus. Both hormones are required for normal growth and development

•        Glucocorticoids also play an important role, primarily towards the end of gestation and influence the prepartum maturation of organs such as liver, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

 

•        Sex of the fetus- The pubertal growth spurt occurs earlier in girls. But mean height and weight in girls are usually less in boys of corresponding ages at the time of full maturity.

 

•        Nutrition- Nutrition is very important factor that affects growth and development of the child. Growth of children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition, anemia and vitamin deficiency states is retarded.

•        Calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and vitamins A and D are closely related to disorders of growth and development and their deficiency is associated with adverse health events in childhood.

 

•        Maternal factors- The mother's own health her fetal and childhood growth and her nutrient intake and body composition at the time of conception and during pregnancy, play an important role in determining fetal size.

•        Teenage pregnancy , advanced age pregnancy, recent pregnancy, high parity and some disorders such as anemia during pregnancy negatively influence fetal size and health.

 

•        Infections- One of the commonest contributors to poor childhood growth are infections. Persistent or recurrent diarrhea and respiratory tract infections are common causes of growth impairment.

 

•        Chemical agents-  Some medicines such as androgenic hormones initially accelerates the skeletal growth. However, androgens cause the epiphyses of bones to close prematurely, leading to early cessation of bone growth.

 

•        Socio-economic factors-  Children from families with high socioeconomic level usually have better nutritional state. They suffer from fewer infections because of better nutrition and hygienic living conditions and growth is better

•        But in case or poor socio econoic conditions lead to  hunger, under nutrition and increased episodes of infections and may cause poor growth and development in theses children.

 

•        Environmental factors-  The process of growth may alter in different seasons and is usually higher in spring and low in summer months. Infections and infestations are common in hot and humid climate. 

•        Weather also has a vital effect on agricultural productivity, ready availability of food and capacity of farmers to produce food grains vegetables fruits to be available for populations.

 

•        Emotional factors- Children from broken homes and orphanages do not grow and develop at an optimal rate. Anxiety, insecurity and lack of emotional support and love from the family reduces the neurochemical regulation of growth hormone release.

 

•        Cultural factors- Methods of child rearing and infant feeding in the community are determined by cultural habits and conventions. There may be religious food taboos that affect the nutritional state and growth performance of children.

 

•        Educational factors- Mothers with more education are more likely to adopt appropriate health promoting behaviors, which have direct and indirect influences on growth and development.

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PERIODS OF GROWTH

 

•        Prenatal period

•        Ovum - 0 to 14 days of gestation

•        Embryo - 14 days to 9 wks

•        Fetus - 9 wks to birth

•        Perinatal period   - 22 wks to 7 days after birth

 

•        Postnatal period

•        Newborn(Neonate) - First 4 wks after birth

•        Infancy (infant) - First year

•        Toddler – 1-3 years

•        Preschool child – 3-6 years

•        School age child – 6-12 years

 

•        Adolescence

•        Early - 12-13 years

•        Middle - 14-16 years

•        Late - 17- 20 years