Proximodistal growth in the human body refers to development that proceeds from?

Proximodistal growth describes a pattern of development that starts at the center or midline of the body and progresses outward toward the periphery. This means that the trunk and central parts develop first, followed by the arms and legs, and eventually the finer motor skills in the hands and feet.

This growth pattern is fundamental in understanding how children gain motor skills and control over their bodies. For instance, an infant learns to control their body movements beginning from the core—e.g., stability in the trunk—before gaining the muscle coordination needed for the arms and legs. This sequential development underscores the importance of the central body's stability in facilitating more complex movements in the limbs. Understanding this process illuminates how developmental milestones are achieved as a child grows.