Adolescent- Physical

Question 1

Describe puberty for adolescents

Answer 1

• Hormonal changes in rate of androgen production
• Testosterone (males)
• Estrogen (females)
  1) Adolescent growth spurt
  2) Sexual maturation

Question 2

Describe the adolescent growth spurt in adolescents

Answer 2

• Rapid height and weight changes
• Cephalocaudal trend reverses
• Males: shoulders broaden in relation to hips
• Female: hips broaden in relation to shoulders
• Body fat males decrease, females increase
• Cardiopulmonary growth occurs

Question 3

Describe sexual maturation in adolescents

Answer 3

• Females= first period 10.5-15.5 years
• Males= first ejaculation 12-16 years
• Genetically determined
• May be delayed or very early

Question 4

Describe motor changes in adolescents

Answer 4

• Males favoured for motor performance
• Males advantaged with strength, power, endurance
• Females advantaged with balance and flexibility
• Males increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, longer arms, wider shoulders, longer legs, narrow hips
• Females lower centre of gravity

Question 5

Describe brain development for adolescents

Answer 5

• Prefrontal cortex (decision making) last to mature
• Decrease grey matter (synaptic pruning), increased white matter (myelination)
• Self regulation not matured
• Basal ganglia (control and regulation of actions)
• Development of social skills related to increased links between cortex and amyglada & hippocampus (emotional regulation)