FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is the term for the developmental pattern of fine motor skills from center to periphery?

1. Cepahlocaudal

2. Proximodistal

3. Distal-central

4. Centrophal

The correct answer is: Proximodistal

The term that describes the developmental pattern of fine motor skills progressing from the center of the body outwards to the periphery is known as proximodistal development. This pattern indicates that control over motor skills begins at the core or central part of the body, such as the shoulders and torso, and gradually extends outward to more distal parts like the arms, hands, and fingers. Proximodistal development is crucial in understanding how children gain motor control, as it emphasizes that gross motor skills typically develop before fine motor skills. Children will first learn to control large muscle movements, such as those needed for crawling or walking, and then refine their abilities to control smaller muscle groups, which are vital for tasks like grasping objects or manipulating toys. This concept is foundational in child development, illustrating the sequential nature of acquiring motor skills.