Physical: Adolescence Flashcards
Puberty
a period of dramatic physical change marked by an overall growth spurt and sexual maturation
Myelination
increase in electrically insulating layer, called the myelin sheath, covering the fibers of neurons that transmit electrical signals; this greatly improves the speed of nerve impulses traveling through the body
Behavioral Interventions
interventions designed to affect the actions taken by individuals with regard to their health and weight
Distalproximal
description of growth that begins in the extremities and proceeds toward the body (first hands, then arms, then torso)
Menarche
occurrence of a first menstrual period in a female adolescent
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Secondary sexual characteristics are visible physical changes not directly linked to reproduction but signal sexual maturity. For females, breast development occurs around age 10, although full development takes several years.
Endocrine
pertaining to hormones and the glands that make and secrete them into the bloodstream through which they travel to affect distant organs
Preadolescence
the period of human development just preceding adolescence
Primary Sexual Characteristics
Primary sexual characteristics are changes in the reproductive organs. For males, this includes growth of the testes, penis, scrotum, and the experience of spermarche (first ejaculation of semen).
Adrenarche
an early stage in sexual maturation and is involved in the development of pubic hair, body odor, skin oiliness, axillary hair, sexual attraction/sexual desire/increased libido, and mild acne
Gonadarche
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.
Gonads
sex organs that produce gametes; specifically, a testicle or ovary
Androgens
a male sex hormone, such as testosterone
Eating Disorders
mental disorders characterized by abnormal eating habits that have a negative impact on a person’s physical and mental health
Pituitary Gland
a pea-sized endocrine gland at the base of your brain, behind the bridge of your nose and directly below your hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is one of eight interrelated major endocrine glands.
