Anatomy: differences between children and adults

Question 1

Describe some anatomical differences in children

Answer 1

Children:

• Oral cavity of a newborn is small
• Tongue takes up more relative space in the oral cavity compared to an adult
• Larynx is higher up in neck and closer to the hyoid bone
• Epiglottis and uvula are very close together in children
• These structures allow for easy protection of the air way and efficient sucking
• Buccal fat pads on the cheeks helps to keep the tongue in the correct position for sucking milk

Question 2

Describe some anatomical differences in children

Answer 2

• Buccal pads are absorbed
• Oral cavity is elongated
• Hyoid and larynx move down
• There is greater separation between the epiglottis and larynx

Question 3

At what age do you start to see anatomical changes / maturation in children

Answer 3

around 4-6 months

Question 4

At what age do you see mature ‘adult’ anatomical systems in place

Answer 4

around 2 years old