Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards defining key terminology, biological concepts, government initiatives, and health terms from the Grade 7 lecture on Adolescence.

Adolescence

The period of growth and development between childhood and adulthood, typically occurring between the ages of 10 and 19 years.

Voice box

A structure located in the throat that enables human speech.

Adam's apple

A visible bump in the throat region of adolescent boys caused by the growth of the voice box.

Acne

A common skin condition during adolescence caused by increased oily secretions that clog skin pores, resulting in reddish pimples.

Pimples

Small, reddish eruptions on the skin that serve as a physical manifestation of acne.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Physical features—such as voice change, facial hair in boys, and breast development in girls—that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction.

Puberty

The stage of development during which an adolescent's body undergoes external and internal changes to become capable of reproduction.

Menstrual cycle

A natural biological process in adolescent girls that recurs generally every 28 to 30 days (or 21 to 35 days) indicating good reproductive health.

Menstruation

The phase of the menstrual cycle involving the discharge of blood from the body, typically lasting three to seven days.

Dorothy Hodgkin

A scientist who studied the structure of vitamin B12 and became the third woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the year 1964.

Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS)

A Government of India scheme providing free or reduced-price sanitary pads and awareness programs to adolescent girls in rural areas.

Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)

A national initiative aimed at improving overall adolescent health and menstrual hygiene through peer education.

Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative

A government initiative providing affordable, biodegradable sanitary pads through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Shuchi Scheme

A Karnataka state-level program designed to distribute free sanitary napkins to girls in government schools.

Cyberbullying

The use of digital devices or online platforms to harass others by sending misleading messages, spreading false rumors, or sharing personal information without consent.

Substance abuse

The regular, compulsive consumption of harmful, addictive products such as tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, beedi, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

An initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to raise awareness and prevent substance abuse, focusing particularly on early-age children.

National De-addiction Helpline

A national helpline service reached at 14446 launched to provide support for drug addiction and help drug addicts.

Hormones

Chemical substances produced in the body that regulate growth, physical development, mood, behavior, and body functions in response to brain signals.