Skeletal development
Release time : 05/16/2025 09:30:01
As everyone knows, bones are one of the most important hard organs in the human body. Not only do they support the body, but they also form part of the skeletal system.
Therefore, protecting our bones is an important and long-term matter.
Bones are composed of various different shapes and consist of very complex components, yet their development is not fully understood. Below, we will delve into the topic of bone development with the mother's network encyclopedia to provide detailed information. Let's explore it together! What happens in the development of bones? The composition of bones is very complex and delicate, and they not only support the body but also protect the form.
The responsibility of the skeleton is very great. How about the development of the skeleton? There are two main components in bone tissue, namely organic matter and inorganic matter.
The composition of the bone in children is different from that of adults, and the ratio of organic to inorganic substances in adult bones is about 3:7.
Therefore, children have soft bones and flexible joints, making them less prone to fractures but more susceptible to bending and deformation.
Parents should pay attention to correcting children's bad postures, and avoid overloading them during physical activities and labor to prevent deformities.
In the human body, most bones are formed through cartilage ossification, completing the process of bone growth and development.
Prior to the embryonic stage, cartilage primitives are formed. Subsequently, during the middle portion of the cartilage, bone formation begins.
With age, the epiphyseal cartilage continues to proliferate and ossify, resulting in increased bone thickness, thereby promoting continued height growth.
The skeletal development takes the longest, generally not reaching a final shape until puberty begins.
Before the age of 14, the vertebrae are filled with cartilage. By about the age of 15, new bone formation points fill the intervertebral spaces. At the ages of 20-25, the entire body's bones and epiphyses fuse together to form a single unit, and the process of bone growth ceases.
During the process of bone growth and development, it is also influenced by both internal and external environments, such as the growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and sex hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, which play a crucial role in the growth and maturation of bone.
Vitamin A, D and C are closely related to bone growth and metabolism.
The process of skeletal development in infants and children involves a significant difference in bone hardness and elasticity.
Particularly for children who have just learned to walk, if the parent continuously holds them up on one side for a prolonged period, it can cause the child's center of gravity to shift, which is detrimental to their skeletal development.
What is the process of skeletal development? Regarding spinal skeletal development, it's most crucial and fundamental for newborns. It determines their basic actions such as sitting, standing, walking, etc.
Its development rate is faster than that of the limbs during this period. Its development process is accompanied by changes in the child's movements.
For instance, a 2-3-month-old child can lift their head, a 6-7-month-old child can sit independently, an 8-9-month-old child can crawl, and a 10-11-month-old child can walk.
This reflects the extent of skeletal development.
Therefore, parents should pay special attention to their children's behavior and movements during this period to prevent adverse behaviors from affecting the normal development of children's skeletal structures, such as deformities in bone morphology.
The development of long bones in the body is crucial to height because the length of these bones directly affects our overall stature.
The skeletal structure of long bones can be divided into: the shaft, the epiphysis, and the epiphyseal end.
The middle part between a skeletal stem and the epiphysis is the epiphyseal plate (cartilage plate).
The epiphysis is composed of cartilage, with the center part being the first to ossify, called a center of ossification.
When the human body reaches 17-18 years old, i.e., as puberty is about to end, the growth of long bones slows down and stops, which means that the period of natural height increase has come to an end, and the bone structure has been set. The natural height you have is what you have, and there is little possibility for further changes.
An important indicator of skeletal development, once individuals reach the ages of 17 or 18, the rate of growth slows down. Although the possibility of natural height increase has diminished, advancements in science and technology still allow for the attainment of height increases through external forces.
What are the important indicators of skeletal development? There are three parts to the skeleton that are related to height: the skull, the spine, and the long bones of the lower body.
1. The development of the skull, which grows along with the brain.
The development of cranial bones can be measured by the size of the head, the size of the sutures and the timing of the closure of the fontanelle.
A cephalic suture that is too small or prematurely closed in a baby at birth suggests that the baby's brain development may be impaired.
Hypertelorism and delayed closure of the fontanelle can also be pathological conditions, and should be consulted with a pediatrician for further examination.
2. The development of the spine occurs during the first year of a baby's life, with growth accelerating faster in the spine than in the limbs.
Baby's motor development should correspond with spinal cord development. That is, at 2-3 months old, babies can lift their heads; by 6-7 months, they can sit alone; at 8-9 months, they start crawling; at 10-11 months, they can stand; and by 12-16 months, they can walk.
If the child is not at the appropriate age, it is not advisable to teach them to sit or stand early. This could cause excessive bending of the spine, which would affect their height.
3. The development of long bones, the structure of limb long bones is divided into three parts: the shaft, the epiphysis, and the epiphyseal end.
Throughout the growth and development of infants, bone growth occurs at the ends of long bones, where the epiphyseal cartilage and the cartilaginous plates are constantly undergoing ossification. This process leads to a continuous increase in bone length, resulting in height growth as well.
What should be done about skeletal dysplasia? When skeletal dysplasia occurs, it is often associated with problems in children's height.
During the newborn period, many adverse habits or inadequate care by parents can lead to underdeveloped skeletal structures. So what should be done about underdeveloped skeletal structures? 1) The back spine is prominent because newborns are softer and tend to lean forward when they move.
Don't worry. Sometimes, due to a baby moving around and bouncing, the back might appear bent, but in reality, most of it is normal.
2. Abnormal chest ribs, specifically in the area above the abdomen, there is an unusual protrusion, as if something were pushing it out from within. This appears to be due to uneven growth of the cartilages, and there's no serious concern.
For mild pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum, there is no need for treatment as it does not impede physical development. In more severe cases, observation should be continued until the age of two, and surgical correction may be necessary if necessary.
3. Deviation of the neck, which is caused by intrauterine compression and does not require treatment.
When there is a lump in the neck muscles, physical therapy should be considered. Continue to observe whether it will evolve into true myopathic subluxation, and if so, surgery should be performed between 6 months and one year of age.
4. The trigger finger or the thumb retracts, at birth, newborn babies' fingers are all retracted, with time passing by gradually loosen, then some parents will notice that baby's thumb bending or retracting.
Pressing or twisting the fingers a few times may cause them to straighten. If this happens, it is best to consult a physician. Exercises for the fingers should be done regularly and corrective orthoses can be worn. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
5. Developing a bowed or knock-kneed posture is common in newborns. This condition becomes more pronounced when babies start to stand or walk.
Some parents do it themselves, tie their legs together with a cloth band at night to correct it, which is really unnecessary.
In such cases, improvement should gradually become apparent by the age of two.
Unless the condition is particularly severe and/or there are symmetrical deformities, X-rays or blood tests may be necessary to diagnose rickets and receive further treatment.
When children are learning to stand, having their feet turn outward (outward-heeled) is considered normal.
Warm Reminder: In infants born with congenital injuries, if one side of the limb is not moving, it is essential to examine for a clavicle fracture or brachial plexus injury.
How to Promote Bone Development? From childhood onwards, everyone harbors the dream of growing taller. Tall men are majestic and handsome, and tall women are graceful and elegant. Often, many people around us complain about their height. So, how can we promote bone development? 1. Healthy Diet: Nutrition is the primary factor for physical growth. Ensure a daily intake of protein and calcium. Fish, shrimp, soy products contain high-quality proteins, while milk, seaweed, etc., are rich in calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, remember to get plenty of sunlight as it facilitates easier absorption of calcium.
Eating fewer snacks, such as carbonated drinks, can lead to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus levels, especially in adolescents. It is crucial to limit their intake.
Breakfast is essential, so make sure to eat it. Drink more milk in the morning.
2. Scientific research has proven that the prime time for human growth is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., during which period one's growth is most likely to occur.
3. Engage in appropriate exercise, sports such as football and basketball that involve jumping movements are particularly beneficial for height growth. During the school years, physical exercises like broadcast exercises can help stretch the body out.
However, it is important to pay attention to healthful growth and not overexert oneself in exercise, as excessive activity can have no beneficial effect on height.
When I have some free time at work, I like to stretch my body out, which is also beneficial to my health.
It is worth noting that after the age of 25, there is generally no further growth in height. Therefore, one should not rely on products designed to increase height. Similarly, premature use of hormones by adolescents is detrimental to their growth.
Therefore, promoting skeletal growth should not be done blindly.
The medical information presented in this text is for reference only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Should you experience discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult a licensed medical practitioner in person.