As children grow which two muscles must develop first before the finger and toe muscles do?

• A. The eye and facial muscles
• B. The arm and leg muscles
• C. The back and abdominal muscles
• D. The neck and shoulder muscles

Answer: (B)

In child development, large, gross motor muscles come online before the fine motor muscles in the fingers and toes. The arms and legs provide the foundational movement and postural control that lets a child reach, stand, walk, and explore, which in turn creates the opportunities and coordination needed for refining finger and toe movements later. While other muscle groups like those in the neck/shoulders, back, or abdomen support posture and overall movement, the arms and legs are the primary foundation that must be ready first to enable later dexterity in the digits.