Development in Adolescence. Flashcards
What is adolescence?
The life stage between 9 and 18 years old
What physical change do young people experience during adolescence?
Puberty
At what age does puberty typically take place for girls and boys?
Around 11-13 years for girls and 13-15 years for boys.
What causes puberty to start?
A hormone in the brain sends a signal to the pituitary gland, which releases hormones that stimulate the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys to produce sex hormones.
What happens to a young person’s height during puberty?
It increases rapidly over a short time, known as a growth spurt.
At what age do growth spurts happen for girls and boys?
Girls: around 11-13 years.
Boys: around 13-15 years.
What hormone is responsible for sexual development in boys?
Testosterone
What does testosterone stimulate in boys?
Growth of the penis and testes, pubic hair growth, muscle development, and lowering of the voice.
What hormones are responsible for sexual development in girls?
Oestrogen and progesterone.
What do oestrogen and progesterone stimulate in girls?
Growth of the breasts, pubic hair growth, and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
What are primary sexual characteristics?
Process related to reproduction and mature when sex hormones are released.
What are some primary sexual characteristics for girls?
Menstruation begins, the uterus and vagina grow, and ovulation occurs.
What are some primary sexual characteristics for boys?
Penis enlarges, prostate gland produces secretions, and testes enlarge and produce sperm.
What are secondary sexual characteristics?
Features that develop during puberty but are not necessary for reproduction.
What are some secondary sexual characteristics for girls?
Growth of armpit and pubic hair, breasts enlarge, hips widen, and there is an increased layer of fat under the skin.
