Why do the bones in an infant's hands and wrists ossify before other parts of the body?

The ossification of the bones in an infant's hands and wrists occurs primarily to support their development in grasping and manipulating objects. As infants grow, they rely heavily on their ability to reach for, grasp, and engage with their environment. The hands and wrists are critical for these early exploratory behaviors, which are essential for cognitive and motor development.

This early ossification allows the bones in these areas to develop the strength and structure necessary for the intricate movements required in reaching and holding objects. As infants start interacting with toys and their caregivers, having fully ossified bones in the hands and wrists helps enhance their ability to learn through touch and manipulate their surroundings effectively.

The other options focus on factors such as muscle growth, calcium uptake, and protection from falls, but these do not directly relate to the specific purpose of facilitating grasping and manipulation, which is fundamental for an infant's developmental milestones. Hence, the emphasis on the hands and wrists aligns with the essential skills needed for infants to explore and learn about their world.