Puberty and Adolesence

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

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