Two major sequences of development occur as the child continues to grow and develop. These sequences include cephalocaudal patterns and proximodistal patterns of development. Cephalocaudal development involves growth occurring from head to “tail” or the lower portion of the body. A clear example of cephalocaudal development involves growth of the infants head in relation to the rest of his/her body. By the 8th week of conception, the head makes of half of length of the embryo. Since cephalocaudal development involves growth occurring from head to tail, the head will develop first before development of lower parts of the body such as legs. This development is still observed in younger children where their head is proportionally larger. Proximodistal
