Question

What change occur among boys and girls during adolescence?

Answer 1

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 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).