Question

Define adolescence.

State some of the changes which take place in boys and girls during adolescence.

Answer 1

Adolescence is the stage between childhood and adulthood when the body of a girl or boy undergoes abrupt changes including changes in social, psychological, economical behavior.

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The changes that occur in a girl during adolescence:

• They become curvier and the overall fat content of the body increases
• Breasts start to develop.
• Hips widen---girls even during childhood have wider hips as compared to boys and this difference becomes more evident in adolescence.
• In response to rising levels of estrogen, the lower half of the pelvis widens. Fat deposition occurs in the hips, thighs, upper arms, etc. This produces the typical female body shape.
• Hair grows in the pubic area, underarm and leg.
• Menstruation starts. The first menstrual event is referred to as menarche. The average age of menarche in girls is about 12-13 years.
• Hair and skin may turn oily.
• A rapid increase in height or growth spurt (girls, in general, reach their adult height by about 16 years of age)

The changes that occur in a boy during adolescence:

• The growth of hair on the face, body, pubic area, and underarm.
• The testis enlarges in size and starts producing testosterone. Rising levels of testosterone promote the growth of the genital organs.
• Overall physical growth-- boys develop more muscle tissues, thicker as well as larger bones and broader shoulders.
• Increase in size or growth of the penis, testes, and scrotum.
• Start having a spontaneous nocturnal emission.
• The larynx grows and becomes prominent and the voice changes in boys.
• a rapid increase in height or growth spurt (boys, in general, reach their adult height by about 18 years of age).