Which term refers to the control of large muscle groups such as arms and legs?

The term that refers to the control of large muscle groups, such as those in the arms and legs, is gross motor development. This aspect of physical development involves the coordination and movement of these larger muscle groups, enabling activities such as running, jumping, and throwing. Understanding gross motor skills is essential as they are foundational for engaging in physical activities and sports, as well as for children's overall physical development and coordination.

In contrast, fine motor development pertains to the control of smaller muscle groups that facilitate tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or manipulating small objects, which explains why this choice is not correct for the question asked. Motor development is a broader term that encompasses both fine and gross motor skills, which makes it less specific to the control of large muscles. Reflexes are involuntary movements that occur in response to stimuli and do not involve learned control of muscle groups, thereby not directly relating to the development of gross motor skills.