Chapter 10: Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence

Question 1

adolescence

Answer 1

the life stage that begins with the biological changes of puberty and ends when young people are recognized as adults

Question 2

puberty

Answer 2

the process that transforms children into adults who are typically able to reproduce and have children of their own

Question 3

HPG axis

Answer 3

a set of glands that trigger puberty, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads

Question 5

testosterone

Answer 5

hormone produced by the gonads that is linked to reproduction, maturation, brain development, and sexual function

Question 6

estrogen

Answer 6

a hormone that is linked to reproduction, maturation, brain development, and sexual function in both males and females

Question 7

growth spurt

Answer 7

a very rapid increase in height and size that begins at about age 10 in girls and age 12 in boys

Question 8

menarche

Answer 8

the term for the first menstrual period

Question 9

spermarche

Answer 9

the first ejaculation of sperm

Question 10

secular trend

Answer 10

the gradual, long-term progression toward earlier puberty