CFD 1450 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Synaptic Pruning, Malocclusion, Permanent Teeth
CHAPTER 11- PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Body Growth in Middle Childhood
• Physical growth continues at a slow, regular pace.
• Girls are slightly shorter and lighter than boys until about age 9, when this trend
reverses.
• Lower portion of body is growing fastest.
• After age 8, girls accumulate fat at a faster rate.
Middle Childhood Growth Worldwide
• Shortest children are found in south America, Asia, pacific islands, parts of Africa.
• Tallest children are found in Australia, northern and central Europe, Canada, united
states.
• Factors accounting for physical size differences:
o Heredity: evolutionary adaptations to particular climates
o Environment: availability or scarcity of food; control of infectious diseases
Skeletal Growth in Middle Childhood
• Bones lengthen and broaden.
• Ligaments are not yet firmly attached to bones, resulting in unusual flexibility.
• Nighttime “growing pains” are common.
• By age 12, all primary teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth.
• Malocclusion occurs in one-third of school-age children.
Brain Development in Middle Childhood
• Weight of the brain increases by 10%:
o White matter rises steadily, especially in prefrontal cortex, parietal lobes, and
corpus callosum.
o Gray matter peaks in middle childhood and then declines as result of synaptic
pruning.
• Synaptic pruning and reorganization and selection of brain circuits lead to more
effective information processing.
• Neurotransmitters and hormones may affect brain development and functioning.
Common Health Problems in Middle Childhood
• Nutrition
• Overweight and obesity
• Vision and hearing
• Bedwetting
• Illnesses
• Unintentional injuries
Nutrition in Middle Childhood
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
