Human growth occurs in five stages: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Growth is measured by changes in height and weight over time, which can be plotted on a growth curve. The growth curve shows that growth is rapid in infancy and adolescence, slow in childhood, and minimal in adulthood. Proper nutrition is important for healthy growth, as children need carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins D and calcium for cell growth and bone formation. A lack of these nutrients can cause conditions like rickets.

1. Chapter 5 : Growth
5.1: Human Growth Pattern
Pn. Rohaillah binti Mohd Jabid
SMJK Chong Hwa, KL

2. 1. Growth is an increase in body size, number of cells, weight and
change in body shape and function.
2. This process is irreversible and permanent .

3. The characteristics of human growth.
1. In human, growth can be determined by measuring height and
weight at suitable intervals over a period of time.
2. The measurements are plotted against time to obtain growth curve.
3. Human growth curve can be divided into five stages:
1. Infancy ( Rapid growth)
2. Childhood (Slow growth)
3. Adolescence (Rapid growth)
4. Adulthood (Minimal growth)
5. Old age (Negative growth)

4. Please refer your text book page 97.

5. Comparing the growth rates of boys and girls

6. Boys Growth stage Gilrs
Same rate Infancy Same rate
Same rate Early Childhood (1-3
y.o)
Same rate
Faster Childhood
(4 y.o-12 y.o)
Slower
Slower Adolescence
(12-14y.o)
Faster (puberty)
Faster (puberty) Adolescence
(14-18 y.o)
Slower
1.

7. Effects of nutrition on the growth of children.
1. A healthy growing needs a lot of energy and this can be obtained
mainly from carbohydrate.
2. Proteins are necessary for the growth and repair cells.
3. Vitamin D and Calcium are required for the formation of strong
teeth and bones.
4. Lack of it, cause Rickets.