What is the term for growth that occurs from the head downward?

The term that describes growth occurring from the head downward is "cephalocaudal." This concept refers to the pattern of development in which control and coordination begin at the head region and gradually progress downward to the rest of the body. For instance, infants tend to gain control over their head and neck muscles before they can control their torso, arms, and legs. This pattern is significant in understanding how motor skills and physical development unfold in early life, as developments in mobility and functionality often occur in this hierarchical manner.

In contrast, the other terms represent different patterns of development. "Proximodistal" refers to growth that occurs from the center of the body outward, meaning that control over the trunk and arms generally develops before control over the fingers and toes. The term "lateral" is not commonly used in the context of growth patterns in development, and "vertical" refers to directionality rather than a developmental progression pattern. Thus, "cephalocaudal" is specifically aligned with the head-to-toe development sequence seen in early childhood.