Physical Development and Health in Adolescence

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to physical development and health challenges in adolescence.

Synaptogenesis

The process of forming new synapses or connections between neurons in the brain.

Pruning

The process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain, following the 'use it or lose it' principle.

Gray Matter

Nerve tissue made up of cell bodies of neurons, which decreases during adolescence due to synaptic pruning.

White Matter

Nerve tissue consisting of myelinated axons that increases during adolescence, facilitating improved cognitive functions.

Primary Sex Characteristics

The physical changes in reproductive organs that occur during puberty.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Observable changes in the body, such as growth spurts and hair development, that occur during puberty.

Sexual Homophily

The tendency of individuals to form social connections with others who have similar sexual behaviors.

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Infections transmitted through sexual activity, often prevalent due to inadequate access to protection and education.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and a distorted body image, leading to restrictive eating.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging or other methods to prevent weight gain.

Circadian Rhythm

The internal body clock that regulates sleep-wake patterns over a 24-hour cycle, influencing adolescent sleep patterns.

Developmental Cascades

The interconnections among various developmental domains, where changes in one area can affect others.