Which muscles are typically the first to develop in young children?

The large muscles of the trunk are typically the first to develop in young children because trunk muscles are essential for basic motor functions such as sitting, crawling, and walking. This development is crucial as it provides the foundational stability and strength that allow children to stabilize their bodies, which is necessary for performing more complex movements later on. The development of trunk muscles facilitates balance and coordination, enabling young children to progress in their physical capabilities.

In contrast, small muscles of the fingers, facial muscles, and leg muscles develop later as children gain more refined motor skills and begin to engage in more intricate tasks such as writing or speaking. The progression from gross motor skills, which involve the larger muscle groups, to fine motor skills, which rely on smaller muscle movements, is a key part of physical development in early childhood.