What generally happens first in the development of muscle control?

The correct answer highlights that large muscles typically develop first, followed by smaller muscles. This pattern aligns with the principles of motor development, where gross motor skills, which involve the larger muscles of the body, emerge before fine motor skills that require more precise control of smaller muscle groups.

In early infancy, a child will first gain control over larger muscle groups, allowing them to perform movements such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. As these gross motor skills are mastered, children gradually develop finer movements and coordination, such as grasping small objects or manipulating toys, which rely on the smaller muscle groups in the hands and fingers.

This sequence reflects the typical trajectory of motor development, where the ability to control large movements provides the foundation for more intricate skills that require greater dexterity.