Growth and development occurs first in which type of body parts?

Growth and development in the human body generally follow a specific pattern known as the proximodistal pattern. This indicates that development begins at the center of the body and moves outward toward the distal ends. Therefore, proximal body parts, which are located closer to the center of the body (such as the trunk, shoulders, and hips), develop first before the more distal parts (like fingers and toes) catch up.

This proximodistal trend is crucial for understanding human development, particularly in infancy and early childhood, as it reflects the sequence in which bodily systems and functions mature. For instance, an infant will gain control over their trunk before developing fine motor skills in their hands. Recognizing this pattern helps caregivers and healthcare professionals monitor and assess normal developmental milestones in children.