Physical Development and Biological Aging

Cephalocaudal pattern

Growth sequence from top to bottom.

Proximodistal pattern

Growth starts at the center, moves outward.

Puberty

Brain-neuroendocrine process causing rapid physical changes.

Menarche

A girl's first menstruation during puberty.

Growth spurt

Rapid increase in height and weight during puberty.

HPG axis

Regulates hormonal changes during puberty.

Hypothalamus

Brain structure involved in eating and sexual behavior.

Pituitary gland

Master gland controlling growth and other glands.

Gonads

Sex glands: testes in males, ovaries in females.

Androgens

Male sex hormones produced by testes.

Estrogens

Female sex hormones produced by ovaries.

Body image

Adolescents' perceptions of their physical appearance.

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of lean muscle and strength.

Sarcopenic obesity

Obesity combined with sarcopenia.

Climacteric

Midlife transition with declining fertility.

Menopause

End of menstrual periods in women.

LDL

Low-density lipoprotein; 'bad' cholesterol.

HDL

High-density lipoprotein; 'good' cholesterol.

Functional height

Height considering posture and spinal changes.

Body dissatisfaction

Negative perception of one's body image.

Psychosocial impact

Effects of maturation timing on social relationships.

Nutrition's role

Influences timing of puberty onset.

Age-related changes

Gradual physical changes in middle adulthood.

Cholesterol accumulation

Build-up on artery walls over time.

Lung capacity

Decreases after age 55, especially in smokers.

Weight loss in late adulthood

Result of muscle mass reduction.

Cardiovascular disease

Increased risk due to aging factors.

Online social networking

Linked to greater body dissatisfaction in adolescents.