Exam 1 Flashcards
A rapid increase in physical growth and development occurring during puberty
Adolescent growth spurt
The maturation of the adrenal glands, contributing to the development of secondary sexual characteristics
Adrenarche
Male sex hormones, such as testosterone, responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics
Androgens
An eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss due to self-imposed starvation
Anorexia Nervosa
The rate at which the body expends energy while at rest
Basal metabolism rate
An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort
Binge eating disorder
A measure of body fat based on height and weight
Body mass index (BMI)
An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise
Bulimia
A hormone associated with stress response and regulation of metabolism
Cortisol
A research method comparing different groups at the same point in time to understand age-related differences
Cross-sectional study
The tendency for adolescents to feel more energetic in the evening, leading to delayed sleep patterns
Delayed phase preference
Unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviors that may not meet the criteria for clinical eating disorders
Disordered eating
The system of glands that produce and release hormones regulating various bodily functions
Endocrine system
The closing of the ends of long bones, completing the growth process
Epiphysis
Female sex hormones responsible for the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics
Estrogens
A regulatory mechanism in the endocrine system where hormone levels signal the release or inhibition of further hormone production
Feedback loop
Organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream
Glands
Neurons that play a key role in the initiation of puberty by signaling the release of gonadotropins
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various physiological processes in the body
Hormones
A region in the brain that regulates hormonal activities through the release of neurotransmitters
Hypothalamus
A brain chemical that stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, initiating puberty
Kisspeptin
A hormone influencing hunger and metabolism, signaling the brain about the body’s fat stores
Leptin
A research method tracking the same individuals over an extended period to observe changes over time
Longitudinal study
A hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, influenced by exposure to light and darkness
Melatonin
The first occurrence of menstruation in females
Menarche
Female reproductive organs producing eggs and hormones
Ovaries
Chemical substances released by an individual to influence the behavior or physiology of others
Pheromones
A gland that produces and releases hormones, influencing other endocrine glands
Pituitary gland
The adaptability of the brain to change in response to experiences
Plasticity
Physical features that distinguish males and females but are not directly involved in reproduction
Secondary sex characteristics
The historical trend of earlier onset of puberty over the generations
Secular trend
The body’s natural tendency to maintain a stable internal environment
Set point
A scale measuring the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty
Tanner stages
Male reproductive organs producing sperm and hormones
Testes
The transitional stage of physical and psychological development between childhood and adulthood
Adolescent
The adaptability or malleability of the adult brain to change in response to experiences and learning
Adult plasticity
Memory related to personally experienced events and information
Autobiographical memory
A theoretical perspective that analyzes decision-making processes, including the identification of alternatives, consequences evaluation, and the assessment of likelihood
Behavioral decision therapy
The operation and activities of the brain, including sensory processing, memory, and cognitive functions
Brain function