Cephalocaudal gradient of Growth

# Growth trends show that in most patients
a) maxilla and mandible grow in unison
b) maxilla grows more rapidly
c) mandible grows at a faster rate than the middle third of the face
d) no such conclusion could be made

The correct answer is: C. mandible grows at a faster rate than the middle third of the face.

The concept of "Cephalo-caudal gradient of growth" says that there is an axis of increased growth extending from the head towards the feet i.e., structures, which are far from brain grow more compared to other parts. When the facial growth pattern is viewed against the perspective of cephalocaudal gradient, it is not surprising that the mandible, being farther away from the brain tends to grow more and later than the maxilla, which is close to brain.

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