Words to Know: Puberty & Adolescence Puberty & Adolescence

Abstinence-

(Sexual risk avoidance) Not partaking in unsafe/risky behaviors, including sexual

activity

Reproduction-

The process by which organisms produce new individuals of their own kind

Reproductive System-

Body organs and structures that make possible the production of

offspring

Endocrine System-

A body system made of glands and organs throughout the body that regulate

body functions

Gland-

A group of cells, or an organ, that produces a chemical substance called hormones

Hormones-

Chemicals, produced by glands, that control actions in your body

Testes-

Male reproductive glands; where sperm is produced and testosterone is made

Testosterone-

Male reproductive hormone; regulates male sexual development and helps produce

sperm

Ovaries-

Female reproductive glands; where eggs (ovum) are stored and estrogen & progesterone is

produced

Progesterone-

Female reproductive hormone; aids in build-up of uterine lining

Estrogen-

Female reproductive hormone; gives female gender characteristics and assist in

release of ovum

Chromosomes-

Thread-like structures that carry the codes for inherited traits (46 chromosomes

= 23 pairs)

Gene-

The basic unit of heredity; determine hereditary traits (children inherit two genes for each

trait, one from each parent)

Sperm (cell)-

The male reproductive cell

Ovum (egg cell)-

The female reproductive cell

Fertilization-

When the sperm and egg join to create a new life

Embryo-

The name for the growing organism from a few days after fertilization to about the

eighth week

Fetus-

The name for the developing child from about the ninth week until birth

STI/STD (sexually transmitted infection/sexually transmitted disease)-

Infectious diseases

spread from person to person through sexual activity, the sharing of vaginal or seminal fluids or

blood, the sharing of infected drug, tattoo, or body piercing needles, or from pregnant mother

to her baby