Physical Development in Adolescence

A set of flashcards focused on key vocabulary and definitions associated with physical development during adolescence.

Puberty

The period in which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction, encompassing all physical changes that occur in adolescents.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation, marking a significant event in female puberty.

HPG Axis

A feedback system that regulates hormones involving hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Physical changes during puberty related directly to the reproductive organs, including growth of the ovaries and testes.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical changes during puberty that are not directly related to reproduction, such as breast development and changes in voice.

Growth Spurt

A dramatic increase in height and weight that occurs during puberty.

Tanner Stages

A system that describes five stages of pubertal development.

Nutrition

One of the key environmental influences on the timing of puberty, where better-nourished individuals tend to mature earlier.

Environmental Chemicals

Substances found in the environment that can influence the timing of pubertal changes.

Disordered Eating

Mild, moderate, or severe disturbances in eating habits and attitudes.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an overwhelming fear of gaining weight and compulsive dieting leading to self-starvation.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving repeated binge eating followed by purging, such as self-induced vomiting.

Binge Eating Disorder

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of excessive eating accompanied by feelings of loss of control.

Body Dissatisfaction

A negative perception of one's body, which can differ in manifestation between girls and boys.

Social Media Impact

The influence of social media on body image, particularly relating to ideals of beauty and fitness.

Estrogen

The hormone primarily associated with female sexual characteristics produced by the ovaries during puberty.

Testosterone

The hormone primarily associated with male sexual characteristics produced by the testes during puberty.

Growth of Facial Hair

A secondary sex characteristic that develops in boys during puberty.

Father Absence

A family factor that can lead to early pubertal maturation in girls.

Sexual Double Standard

A societal norm that judges men and women differently for similar sexual behaviors.

Pheromones

Chemical substances produced by one individual that can influence the maturation of another individual, particularly in response to social environments.

Conflict-ridden Households

Family environments characterized by high levels of tension that can affect hormonal secretion and maturation timings.

Healthy Relationships

Connections with family and peers that can impact adolescents' self-image and emotional well-being during puberty.

Romantic Relationships

Connections developed during adolescence that may be influenced by physical maturity during puberty.

Self-image

An individual's perception of themselves, which can be impacted by the physical changes of puberty.

Menstrual Cycle

The regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible.

Cognitive Maturity

Development of cognitive and emotional maturity which may not coincide with physical maturity in teens.

Popular Culture

Media representations that can negatively affect body image and contribute to disordered eating patterns.

Eating Disorders

Psychological disorders that involve unhealthy eating habits and attitudes toward food and body image.

Compulsive Dieting

The process of excessively restricting food intake, often linked with eating disorders.

Stepfather Presence

Living with a stepparent, which may influence a girl's rate of sexual maturation.

Emotional Distress

Experiences of anxiety or depression that may increase among early maturing adolescents.

Physical Development

The physical changes that occur in an individual as they transition through puberty.

Hormonal Changes

Alterations in hormone levels that regulate various processes during puberty, leading to physical maturation.

Health History

An individual's past medical experiences that can affect the timing and process of puberty.

Menstrual Stigma

The negative cultural perceptions surrounding menstruation that can impact adolescent girls' experiences.

Family Dynamics

The relational interactions and emotional environment within a family that can influence adolescent development.

Self-esteem

An individual's sense of personal worth, which can be affected by early and late maturation during adolescence.

Social Comparison

Evaluating oneself in relation to others, particularly during adolescence, which can influence body image.

Body Fat Distribution

The pattern of how body fat is distributed in relation to gender, typically differing between boys and girls during puberty.

Peer Relationships

Friendships and social interactions that can be influenced by an individual's physical development and maturity.

Physical Changes

Transformations in the body that occur during puberty, including growth spurt and development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.