Chapter 2

Question 1

Puberty

Answer 1

The changes in physiology, anatomy, and physiological functioning that develop a person into a mature adult biologically and prepare the body for sexual reproduction.

Question 2

Endocrine system

Answer 2

A network of glands in the body. Through hormones, the glands coordinate their functioning and affect the development and functioning of the body.

Question 3

Hormones

Answer 3

Chemicals, released by the glands of the endocrine system, that affects the development and functioning of the body, including development during puberty.

Question 4

Hypothalamus

Answer 4

The “master gland” located in the lower part of the brain beneath the cortex, that affects a wide range of physiological and psychological functioning and stimulates and regulates the production of hormones by other glands, including the ones involved in the initiation of puberty.

Question 5

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Answer 5

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that causes gonadotropins to be released by the pituitary.

Question 6

Leptin

Answer 6

A protein produced by fat cells, that signals the hypothalamus to initiate the hormonal change of puberty.

Question 7

Pituitary gland

Answer 7

A gland about half an inch long located at the base of the brain that releases gonadotrophins as part of the body’s preparation for reduction.

Question 8

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Answer 8

Stimulates the development of gametes and sex hormones in the ovaries and testes.

Question 9

Gametes

Answer 9

Cells distinctive to each sex, that are involved in reproduction. (ex. sperm, eggs )

Question 10

Sex hormones

Answer 10

Androgens and estrogens that cause the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.

Question 11

Androgens

Answer 11

Sex hormone that are specifically high in males from puberty onward.

Question 12

Estradiol

Answer 12

The estrogen most important in pubertal development in girls.

Question 13

Feedback loop

Answer 13

System of hormones involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the gonads, which monitors and adjusts the levils of sex hormones.

Question 14

Set point

Answer 14

Optimal levil of sex hormones in teh body.

Question 15

Peak height velocity

Answer 15

THe point at which the adolescence growth spurt is at its maximum rate.

Question 16

Asynchronicity

Answer 16

Uneven growth of different parts of the body, results in a “gangly” look.

Question 17

Primary sex characteristics

Answer 17

The production of eggs and sperm and the development of sex organs.

Question 18

Secondary sex characteristics

Answer 18

Bodily changes of puberty not directly related to reproduction.

Question 19

Spermarche

Answer 19

The beginning of development of sperm in boy’s testicles at puberty.

Question 20

Secular trend

Answer 20

A change in the characteristics of a population over time.

Question 21

Reaction range

Answer 21

Term meaning that genes establish a range of possible development and enviorment determines where development takes place within that range.

Question 22

Frontal lobes

Answer 22

Known to be involved in higher brain functions such as planning ahead and analyzing complex problems.

Question 23

Synaptic pruning

Answer 23

Following overproduction, the process by which the number of synapses in the brain are reduced, making brain functioning faster and more efficient but less flexible.

Question 24

How much of the brain is developed by age 6?

Answer 24

95%

Question 25

Cerebellum

Answer 25

Continues to grow throughout adolescence and is involved functions such as movement, math, music decision making and social skills.