HDF 306 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Libido, Melatonin, Secondary Sex Characteristic
Document Summary
A period during which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction. Encompasses all the physical changes as the individual passes from childhood into adulthood. Three physical manifestations of puberty: accelerated growth, primary sex characteristics, secondary sex characteristics. Fat"s function: protect your body from sudden physical impact. During adolescence individuals experience accelerated growth in muscle and fat mass. Why boys have higher ratio of muscle than girls: genetic factor: androgen triggers the growth in muscle. Gender difference in physical performance: why boys usually tend to have better athletic performance. Biological factor: muscle-to-fat ratio is higher for boys. Social factor: social pressure (e. g. girls shouldn"t have great athletic. Gender difference in hormonal changes: boys, girl. Two key hormonals: androgen stimulated the development and maintenance of male characteristics, estrogen stimulated the development and maintenance of female characteristics. Accelerated growth: height, weight, muscle (boy)/ fat (girl) Primary sex characteristics: hormonal changes, androgens (boy/ estrogens (girl) Secondary sex characteristics: genitals/breast, pubic facial and body hairs.