Motor skills
Motor Skills
Motor skills (/ˈmoʊtər skiːlz/) are actions that involve the movement of muscles in the body. They are categorized into two groups: fine motor skills and gross motor skills.
Etymology
The term "motor" originates from the Latin word "motorius," meaning "of movement," while "skill" comes from the Old Norse word "skil," which signifies distinction or knowledge.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve the use of smaller muscle groups, such as those in the hands and fingers. These skills are essential for tasks that require precision, such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or manipulating small objects.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the use of larger muscle groups for activities like running, jumping, and throwing. These skills are crucial for overall mobility and coordination.
Development of Motor Skills
The development of motor skills begins in infancy and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. This development is influenced by a variety of factors, including physical growth, environmental influences, and practice.
Related Terms
- Motor control: The process by which humans and animals use their brain/cognition to activate and coordinate the muscles and limbs involved in the performance of a motor skill.
- Motor learning: A set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capability for responding.
- Motor coordination: The combination of body movements created with the kinematic (such as spatial direction) and kinetic (force) parameters that result in intended actions.
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