3.2b Adolescence and Adulthood

  • Adolescence

    • Transition period from childhood to adulthood starting at puberty

  • Puberty

    • Period of sexual orientation

  • Puberty’s Landmarks

    • Spermarche - 1st ejaculation in boys

    • Menarche: 1st menstrual period

  • Testosterone

    • Hormone that stimulates growth of male sex chararcteristics

  • Estrogen

    • Hormone associated with female development for sex characteristics

  • Primary Sex Characteristics

    • Sexual reproduction body structures

      • Ovaries, testes, & external genitalia

  • Secondary Sex Characteristics

    • Nonreproductive sexual traits

      • Female breasts & hips, male voice quality & body hair

  • Pruning

    • Neural connections are use it or lose it

  • Myelin growth

    • Speeds neurotransmissions & communication in brain

  • Healthy Aging

    • Exercise, eating healthy and low stress

  • Menopause

    • The time of natural ending of menstruation