Unit 1 - Growth and Development

Health and Social Care UNIT 1

Growth – an increase in physical size, both mass and height. This occurs due to the increase in production of body cells, and therefore individual cells get bigger as they contain more material and as a result become more functional

Development – refers to the increase of skills and abilities and capacities can be; Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social. People can develop their skills, although at different rates.

The Life stages

INFANCY

0-2

CHILDHOOD

3-8

ADOLESCENCE

9-18

EARLY ADULTHOOD

19-45

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD

46-65

LATE ADULTHOOD

65 +

Principles of development

o   Every individual has a unique pattern for growth and development as they inherit their parents genetics

o   After the first 8 weeks in the uterus, the embryo’s organs start to form, baby is then known as the foetus

o   Neonate = new born infant

o   The neonate’s immune system is weak and can only be fed certain digestible foods e.g. breast milk

o   No control over bladder, nor bowel functioning

o   Parts of the body develop at different rates – head and brain growths more…