Module 7: Physical Development during Adolescence

Question 1

adolescent growth spurt

Answer 1

rapid increase in the individual’s height and weight during puberty resulting from simultaneous release of growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and androgens. Males experience their growth spurt about two years later, on average, than females

Question 2

adrenarche

Answer 2

an increase in the production of androgens by the adrenal cortex that usually occurs during the eighth or ninth year of life and typically peaks at around 10 to 14 years of age and is eventually involved in the development of pubic hair, body odor, skin oiliness, and acne

Question 3

estrogen

Answer 3

primary female sex hormone that is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics such as the development of breasts

Question 4

gonad

Answer 4

a sex organ that produces gametes; specifically, a testicle or ovary

Question 5

gonadarche

Answer 5

refers to the earliest gonadal changes of puberty. In response to pituitary gonadotropins, the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys begin to grow and increase the production of the sex steroids, especially estradiol and testosterone

Question 6

menarche

Answer 6

a girl’s first menstrual period, signaling that she has begun ovulation. Pregnancy is biologically possible, but ovulation and menstruation are often irregular for years after menarche

Question 7

primary sex characteristics

Answer 7

the parts of the body that are directly involved in reproduction, including the vagina, uterus, ovaries, testicles, and penis

Question 8

puberty

Answer 8

the period of rapid growth and sexual development that begins in adolescence

Question 9

secondary sex characteristics

Answer 9

physical traits that are not directly involved in reproduction but that indicate sexual maturity, such as a man’s beard or a woman’s breasts

Question 10

spermarche

Answer 10

a boy’s first ejaculation of sperm. Erections can occur as early as infancy, but ejaculation signals sperm production. Spermarche may occur during sleep (nocturnal emission or “wet dream”) or via direct stimulation

Question 11

testosterone

Answer 11

the primary male sex hormone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics. Females also produce testosterone, but at lower level than males