Final answer:
The eyes and ears of young children are still developing, with eyes not fully forward-facing and ears elevating into their final position. In adults, these organs have matured, with fully developed inner structures and muscles for precise function. Cognitive processing of sensory information also matures from childhood to adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anatomical differences of the eyes and ears between young children and adults are significant, reflecting the ongoing development from infancy through to early adulthood. In young children, the eyes are not yet in a fully forward-facing position, and the retinas continue to develop, which are essential for visual acuity. The ear structures also undergo transformation, with the outer ears moving to their final elevated position above the head and developments occurring in the middle ear and auditory nerve. These changes allow for the improvement in the perception of sound and balance.
Comparatively, in adults, the eyes and ears have reached their mature state, with a more forward-facing orientation of the eyes, enhancing the field of vision and depth perception. The structure of the ears is fully formed, allowing for more precise hearing and equilibrium. The development of the eye's and ear's internal components, including the ossification of bones, formation of bone marrow for blood cell production, and the development of alveoli in the lungs, support the necessity for fine-tuned sensory perception needed in adulthood. Additionally, the muscles around these organs have developed from the stimuli of movements, providing better control and function.
Early developmental psychologists, such as Piaget, noted that cognitive changes accompany physical development. This means that as children grow into adults, not only do their senses physically mature, but also the way they process sensory information evolves.