Development of children's body knowledge, using knowledge of the lungs as an exemplar

When teaching young children about health care procedures, health care professionals must assess what children already know about human anatomy and physiology, otherwise known as "body knowledge," to correct misconceptions and expand children's knowledge of their bodies. This article summarizes studies published between 1935 and 2000 that were related to the development and assessment of children's body knowledge, using knowledge of the lungs as an exemplar of body knowledge. Types of instruments used to measure body knowledge are described, and suggestions for future studies are provided.