A1: Adolescence Milestones (9-18)

Question 1

When do major physical developments take place?

Answer 1

• during puberty

Question 2

There are significant changes in:

Answer 2

• primary and secondary characteristics
• significant number of growth changes in males / females

Question 3

What are hormones?

Answer 3

• chemical substances produced in the body and transported in the blood stream that control and regulate cells or body organs

Question 4

What are primary characteristics?

Answer 4

• changes and development of the reproductive organs

Question 5

What are secondary charateristics?

Answer 5

• outward signs of development from a child into a man / woman

Question 6

Where is testosterone produced?
What does testosterone stimulate the growth of in boys?

Answer 6

• in the testes
• growth spurt
• the penis and testes
• pubic hair growth
• the development of muscle
• lowering of the voice

Question 7

Where is oestrogen and progesterone produced?
What do they stimulate the growth of?

Answer 7

• in the ovaries
• growth spurt
• the breasts
• reproductive system
• helps regulate the menstrual system

Question 8

When does puberty usually begin in boys?

Answer 8

• 13-15 years old

Question 9

When does puberty usually begin in girls?

Answer 9

• 11-13 years old, but may be earlier

Question 10

How does puberty start?

Answer 10

• when a hormone in the brain sends a signal to the pituitary gland
• which releases hormones that stimulate the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys
• to produce sex hormones

Question 11

What are the primary sexual characteristics in females?

Answer 11

• uterus enlarges and vagina lengthens
• ovaries begin to release eggs
• menstrual cycle commences

Question 12

What are the secondary sexual characteristics in males?

Answer 12

• enlargement of penis and testes
• spontaneous erections caused by blood flowing into chambers in the penis may happen
• testicles begin to produce spermatozoa (sperm), beginning of ejaculations

Question 13

What are the secondary sexual characteristics in females?

Answer 13

• breasts develop and the areola (area around the nipple) swells and darkens
• hair grows in armpits and pubic area
• redistribution of body fat causing hips to widen

Question 14

What are the secondary sexual characteristics in males?

Answer 14

• changes in larynx (adams apple) causing voice to deepen
• hair grows in armpits, pubic area, and facial hair
• redistribution of muscle tissue and fat

Question 15

Exam question:
Explain the difference between primary and secondary sexual characteristics (4 marks)

Answer 15

• primary = reproductive organs already present in body
• these organs in boys and girls start to mature when sex hormones are released
• secondary = not present in body before puberty
• but are physical changes that happen when sex hormones are released