Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
🔑Concepts
Adolescence is defined as the period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically ranging from ages to years.
Puberty is the specific phase within adolescence when the human body undergoes physical changes to become capable of sexual reproduction.
The 'Why' behind these changes is the endocrine system. Chemical substances called hormones are secreted by endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream.
The Pituitary Gland, located at the base of the brain, acts as the 'Master Gland.' It secretes hormones that stimulate the Testes (in males) to produce Testosterone and the Ovaries (in females) to produce Estrogen.
The sudden increase in height during puberty occurs due to the elongation of the long bones of the arms and legs.
Secondary Sexual Characters (like facial hair in boys or breast development in girls) are regulated by these sex hormones to distinguish between the two sexes.
The increase in activity of sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands during adolescence often leads to the development of acne and pimples.
📐Formulae
💡Examples
Problem 1:
A boy is years old and is currently cm tall. According to a growth chart, a -year-old boy has reached of his full height. Calculate his likely height at the end of his growth period.
Solution:
Expected full height cm
Explanation:
To find the projected height, we divide the current height ( cm) by the percentage of growth completed ( or ) and multiply by to find the value.
Problem 2:
Identify the gland and hormone responsible for the 'Why' of voice change in boys (development of Adam's apple).
Solution:
The gland is the Pituitary gland (trigger) and the Testes (target). The hormone is Testosterone.
Explanation:
The Pituitary gland signals the testes to release testosterone. Testosterone causes the larynx (voice box) to grow larger in boys, creating a protruding 'Adam's apple' and a deeper voice.