Abstract

A REVIEW OF LITERATURE OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN TODDLERS

Dr. Pravin Dadarao Kadam*, Dr. Vilas Mukunda Shelke and Dr. Jagruti Shivlingrao Kharatmal

ABSTRACT

Growth and Development are essential features that distinguishes a child from an adult. Growth and Development are not synonymous, but they are assessed simultaneously. Growth denotes an increase in size of an individual due to increase in the number and diameter of cells, and development denotes functional maturity of the child. Hence, growth is quantitative and development is qualitative. The growth performance in a child should be coupled with assessment of the development to get an idea of the child‘s performance in overall growth. Growth and development begin at conception and end at maturity. They are unique characteristics of children and any obstacle in this process at any stage can possibly result in aberration of growth and development. Growth, a measure of physical maturation, signifies an increase in size of the body and its various organs. Thus, it can be measured in terms of centimeters and kilograms. Growth is mainly due to multiplication of cells and increase in intracellular substance. Tissues show an increase in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content. During the second half of pregnancy, an increase in cell size with increase in protein/DNA ration occurs. Unlike in the adult, growth is an essential feature of a child‘s life. Development is a measure of functional or physiological maturation and myelination of the nervous system. It signifies accomplishment of mental (acquisition of skills etc), emotional (development of attitudes etc) and social (adaptation to family and society etc) abilities. Unlike growth, it is rather difficult to assess development.

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