Adolescent Physical and Cognitive Development – Key Vocabulary

These vocabulary flashcards cover the major biological, neurological, hormonal, psychological, and social concepts discussed in the lecture on adolescent physical and cognitive development.

Adolescence

The transitional period between childhood and adulthood, roughly ages 12–18, marked by physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes.

Puberty

The biological process leading to sexual maturation (gonadarchy) and reproductive capability, typically beginning ages 8–13 in girls and 9–14 in boys.

Gonadarchy

Onset of gonadal (ovary or testis) hormone production that initiates puberty.

Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight during early puberty; weight and limb growth precede torso lengthening.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Body changes directly related to reproduction, e.g., growth of testes, penis, ovaries, and uterus; menarche and spermarche.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Pubertal changes not directly involved in reproduction, such as breast development, voice change, and body hair growth.

Menarche

A girl’s first menstrual period, signaling ability for reproduction; average age 12–13.

Spermarche

A boy’s first ejaculation of viable sperm, usually around age 13.

HPA Axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system; stimulates adrenal hormones (e.g., cortisol, adrenal androgens) involved in stress response and early pubertal changes.

HPG Axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system; drives main pubertal events by triggering ovarian estrogen and testicular testosterone production.

Adrenal Androgens

Hormones from the adrenal glands that spark pubic hair, skin changes, body odor, and initial sexual desire starting around ages 6–8.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone causing breast growth, hip widening, and menstrual cycle initiation.

Testosterone

Principal male sex hormone; lengthens penis, produces facial/body hair, and boosts muscle mass (also present at lower levels in females).

Leptin

A hormone produced by body fat that signals energy sufficiency; high levels can trigger earlier puberty, especially in girls.

Gray Matter Pruning

Adolescent reduction of excess neuronal connections to improve brain efficiency, especially in the prefrontal cortex.

Prefrontal Cortex

Front brain region responsible for executive functions (planning, judgment) that continues maturing into the early 20s.

Limbic System

Brain structures (amygdala, hippocampus, etc.) governing emotion; undergo heightened reactivity during adolescence.

Synaptic Proliferation

Second surge of synapse formation in early adolescence, followed by pruning for neural specialization.

Sleep Phase Delay

Brain-based shift causing teens to feel sleepy later and wake later, increasing risk of sleep deprivation.

Early Pubertal Timing

Reaching puberty sooner than peers; linked to body-image issues in girls and aggression/rule-breaking in boys.

Secular Trend

Generational decline in the average age of puberty onset, attributed to improved nutrition and health.

Thin Ideal

Media-driven cultural standard that values abnormally slim female bodies, contributing to body dissatisfaction.

Body Image

One’s subjective evaluation of physical appearance; key predictor of overall adolescent self-esteem.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder marked by severe caloric restriction, distorted body image, BMI ≤85 % of expected weight, and amenorrhea.

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder involving recurrent binge-eating followed by purging (vomiting/laxatives) at least weekly for three months.

Internalizing Symptoms

Inward-focused problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-criticism; a risk factor for eating disorders.

Externalizing Problems

Outward-directed behaviors like aggression, rule-breaking, and acting out; more common in early-maturing boys.

Sexual Double Standard

Cultural norm granting males greater sexual freedom while expecting females to remain abstinent until marriage.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Diseases spread through sexual contact; teens 15–24 have highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Condom

Barrier contraceptive that also reduces STI transmission; U.S. teens use them less consistently than peers abroad.

Teen Pregnancy

Pregnancy occurring in adolescents; associated with economic hardship, interrupted education, and higher health risks.

Puberty Rite

Traditional cultural ceremony marking transition to adult status (e.g., Apache Sunrise Dance).

Critical Fat Hypothesis

Theory that a minimum body-fat level (signaled by leptin) is necessary to initiate female puberty.

Gonads

Sex glands—ovaries in females, testes in males—that produce gametes and sex hormones.

Adolescent Sleep Deprivation

Chronic lack of adequate sleep in teens, linked to irritability, depression, and impulsivity.

Risk Factors for Early Sexual Activity

Variables like early puberty, low SES, impulsive personality, peer pressure, media exposure, and low religiosity that predict earlier intercourse.

Genetic Influence on Puberty

Hereditary control over timing of maturation; identical twins enter puberty at similar ages.