Unit 2 Flashcards
Physical development in adolescence
What is the term for the years of rapid physical growth and sexual maturation that end childhood?
Puberty
What triggers the forces of puberty?
A cascade of hormones (testosterone on man and estrogenic on women)
What is the general trend of the age of puberty over the past several decades?
The age of puberty has decreased
On average, how much earlier do girls reach puberty than boys?
2 YEARS
what is the term for a girl’s first mestrual period?
Menarche
What does menarche signal?
That a girl has begun ovulation
What is the average age of menarche ?
12 years old
What is the term for a boy’s first ejaculation of sperm?
Spermarche
What does spermarche signal?
Sperm production
What is the typical age of spermarche?
Just under 13 years old
What two axes regulate puberty?
The HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis and the HPG (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad) axis
What are the primary types of female sex hormones?
Estrogens, including estradiol
What are the primary types of male sex hormones?
Androgens, including testosterone
What is the term for the rapid gain in height and weight during puberty?
Growth spurt
Describe the difference between primary or secondary sexual characteristics.
Primary sexual characteristics involve the reproductive organs. Secondary sexual characteristics are visible bodily features that do not directly affect reproduction but that signify sexual maturity.
