What is the ability to perform tasks requiring coordination of small muscle movements?

Fine motor skills refer specifically to the ability to carry out tasks that require the coordination of small muscles, particularly those in the hands and fingers. These skills involve precise movements and are essential for activities such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils. Developing fine motor skills is crucial in early childhood as they impact a child's ability to perform daily tasks and participate in various activities, thus supporting overall development.

Other terms, like gross motor skills, include larger movements involving bigger muscle groups, such as running or jumping, and do not capture the nuanced coordination needed for tasks that involve delicate manipulations. Physical coordination is a broader term that encompasses both types of movements but lacks the specificity found in fine motor skills. Similarly, muscle control is a fundamental aspect of all motor skills but doesn't specifically address the small muscle coordination that characterizes fine motor skills.