Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Pediatric growth and development follows predictable patterns governed by genetic programming, nutritional status, hormonal regulation, and environmental influences. Growth hormone (GH), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates linear growth through insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) mediated chondrocyte proliferation at the epiphyseal growth plates. Developmental milestones across gross motor, fine motor, language, and social-emotional domains provide standardized benchmarks for identifying developmental delays. Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages and Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory provide frameworks for understanding age-appropriate behaviors and guiding anticipatory guidance for families.