Growth and development: Toddler Flashcards
The anterior fontanel should be closed by the time the child is 18 months old.
Head size becomes more proportional to the rest of the body near the age of 3 years
Brain growth continues through toddlerhood, and head circumference (reflective of brain growth) reaches about 90% of its adult size by 2 years of age.
Myelination of the brain and spinal cord continues to progress and is complete around 24 months of age. Myelination results in improved coordination and equilibrium as well as the ability to exercise sphincter control, which is important for bowel and bladder mastery.
The alveoli continue to increase in number, not reaching the adult number until about 7 years of age. The trachea and lower airways continue to grow but remain small compared with those of an adult. The tongue is relatively large in comparison to the size of the mouth. Tonsils and adenoids are large, and the Eustachian tubes are relatively short and straight.
