Chapter 14: physical development in adolescence

Question 1

How does puberty happen?

Answer 1

• the hypothalamus signals to the pituitary gland to produce growth hormones
• sex hormones stimulate primary and secondary sexual characteristics

Question 2

what are primary and secondary sexual characteristics?

Answer 2

primary: reproduction system (male: testes, penis, spermache = prostate) + (female: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, clit, menarche = vagina)
secondary: unrelated to reproductive capacity (male: shoulders, facial hair) + (breasts, hips)
both = pubic hair, voice change, skin texture, muscular development

Question 3

what influences the timing of puberty? (4)

Answer 3

• genes (nature)
• toxins induce (endocrine chemicals, smoking during pregnancy)
• stress
• nutrition and physical activity (nurture)

Question 4

what happens in brain maturation? (5)

Answer 4

• more impulsivity and risk-taking
• growth matures the frontal lobe last
• frontal lobes: problem-solving, impulse control, goal setting, planning, emotional regulation
• limbic and reward centers of the brain are more in control (gas pedal)
• immature frontal lobes unable to press “gas pedal”

Question 5

motor skills and physical activity (3)

Answer 5

gross motor: refine skills

fine motor: refine skills

active/fitness: most teens do not exercise enough (+75%)

Question 6

sleep (3)

Answer 6

• 8-10 hours per night (25% get enough)
• teens stay up late (nurture: homework, screens, socializing + nature: melatonin hormone secreted later)
• consequences: irritability, mental health, behavioural problems + attention and school performance + injuries and car accidents

Question 7

nutrition (4)

Answer 7

• irregular eating pattern (increased independence, longer days)
• fast food (not enough fruits and veggies, too much fat)
• obesity (causes and consequences)
• eating disorders

Question 8

factors influencing health (3)

Answer 8

• accidents (risk taking, automobile, drowning, violence, suicide)
• alcohol and drugs (experimentation common, risk for addiction)
• eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)

Question 9

puberty, rites of passages into adulthood

Answer 9

• physical transformation, traditions, offerings, prayers, blessings, etc
• rites: separation from society, transition, acknowledge new status after the completion of the rite