Physical development: Adolescence 9-18 Years

Question 1

What are growth spurts?

Answer 1

Growth spurts is growing quickly and suddenly in a short period of time.

Question 2

What is the definition of primary sexual characteristics?

Answer 2

Primary sexual characteristics are organs and cells that are present at birth but didn’t develop until puberty. There are changes in the reproductive organs and the pituitary gland induced changes.

Question 3

What is the definition of secondary sexual characteristics?

Answer 3

Secondary sexual characteristics develop during puberty and they’re signs of growing from child to adult.

Question 4

What are some examples of female primary sexual characteristics?

Answer 4

• the uterus enlarge and the vagina lengthens
• the ovaries begin to release
• the menstrual cycle begins

Question 5

What are some examples of female secondary characteristics?

Answer 5

• areola enlarges, swells and darkens first, the breasts grow
• redistribution of body fat causing hips to widen
• hair grows in armpit and pubic area

Question 6

What are some make primary sexual characteristics?

Answer 6

• enlargement of penis and testes
• spontaneous erections caused by blood rushing to the chambers in the penis may happen
• produce sperm, beginning of ejaculation

Question 7

What are some male secondary sexual characteristics?

Answer 7

• changes in larynx causing voice to deepen
• hair grows in armpits and pubic area, facial hair
• redistribution of muscle tissues and fat

Question 8

Adolescence recap

Answer 8

Puberty changes caused by the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland alter the body shape and cause rapid spurts of growth to occur. Hormones are chemical messengers, secreted directly into the blood from the gland in the endocrine system. At puberty, the pituitary gland secreted hormones that start physical and sexual changes in the body.