Chapter 2 - Puberty, Health, and Biological Foundations of Adolescence Flashcards
exam 1
puberty is marked by ?
a rapid acceleration in growth, development in primary and secondary sex characteristics.
what are the determinants of puberty?
Hereditary and Hormones
Influence of hereditary?
reaching a point where your genes turn on this transitional period. usually at 9-16 years of age.h
what are hormones in the role of puberty?
well they are powerful chemicals secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream.
What is the main class of male sex hormones?
Androgens (testes)
What is the main class of female sex hormones?
estrogens (ovaries)
what is most surprising in my opinion about androgens and estrogens?
everyone has the same amount of each.
what is the endocrine system made of?
a system of glands that create and release hormones that control almost all of your bodily processes.
what are the most important neurons in puberty?
GnRH or gonadotropin-releasing neurons. these are activated by certain pubertal hormones.
why is testosterone the male specific hormone?
because it’s associated with a number of physical changes like development of external genitals, increase in height, voice changes, and sexual desire & activity.
why is estradial the female specific pubertal hormone?
it’s linked with breast development, uterine development, and skeletal changes. *the contributions to sexual desire and activity in adolescent girls is less clear than it is for boys.
what is the hormonal feedback loop? or the HGP Axis
connects the glands most important to this stage - Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, and Gonads.
what does the hypothalamus do?
it’s like the manager of this process. Specifically tho it regulates sex hormones.
what does the hormonal feedback loop operate on?
negative feedback.
what are the four stages of puberty?
Adrenarche, Gonadarche, Menarche, and Spermarche
