Pediatrics notes
,Review of normal growth and development
of a child
• Under normal circumstances, given the right
environment, children growth and development takes
place rapidly.
• Growth implies a change in quantity. Human growth
can be defined as a change in body structure. The
changes are both in height and size.
• Development is a physiological process, which occurs
in children right from conception until puberty. It
involves a qualitative change in this case from a lower
to a more advanced stage of complexity.
, Factors that influence growth and
development
• Good nutrition or a well balanced diet is a very
significant requirement for proper growth and
development. A child requires food rich in proteins,
minerals and vitamins for the development of body
tissues and bones.
• Hormones are necessary for normal bodily
functions, growth and mental development. During
the puberty period common hormones involved in
these activities include growth hormones, the
thyroid hormone and sex hormones.
, Factors that influence growth and
development
• Genetic disposition, for example, where the offspring
inherits the qualities of parents of being tall or short.
• Environmental influence is important as it
determines physical growth and mental
development. Children who are deprived of love or
subjected to emotional and physical abuse are more
likely to suffer from growth failure and mental
development. In some cases, if the environment is
not conducive, the onset of puberty may be delayed
when compared to children of the same age group.
,Review of normal growth and development
of a child
• Under normal circumstances, given the right
environment, children growth and development takes
place rapidly.
• Growth implies a change in quantity. Human growth
can be defined as a change in body structure. The
changes are both in height and size.
• Development is a physiological process, which occurs
in children right from conception until puberty. It
involves a qualitative change in this case from a lower
to a more advanced stage of complexity.
, Factors that influence growth and
development
• Good nutrition or a well balanced diet is a very
significant requirement for proper growth and
development. A child requires food rich in proteins,
minerals and vitamins for the development of body
tissues and bones.
• Hormones are necessary for normal bodily
functions, growth and mental development. During
the puberty period common hormones involved in
these activities include growth hormones, the
thyroid hormone and sex hormones.
, Factors that influence growth and
development
• Genetic disposition, for example, where the offspring
inherits the qualities of parents of being tall or short.
• Environmental influence is important as it
determines physical growth and mental
development. Children who are deprived of love or
subjected to emotional and physical abuse are more
likely to suffer from growth failure and mental
development. In some cases, if the environment is
not conducive, the onset of puberty may be delayed
when compared to children of the same age group.
