PSYC 3404 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Sex Organ, Anorexia Nervosa, Adolescent Sex

• School: Northeastern University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3404
• Professor: Dawn Cisewski

Document Summary

Adolescence: period of the lifespan between the time puberty begins and the time adult status is approached, when young people are preparing to take on the roles and responsibilities of adulthood in their culture. Puberty: changes in physiology, anatomy, and physical functioning that develop a person into a mature adult biologically and prepare the body for sexual reproduction. Estrogens: sex hormones that have especially high levels in females from puberty onwards and are mostly responsible for female primary and secondary sex characteristics. Androgens: sex hormones that have especially high levels in males from puberty onwards and are mostly responsible for male primary and secondary sex characteristics. Estradiol: the estrogen most important in pubertal development among girls. Testosterone: the androgen most important in pubertal development among boys. Primary sex characteristics: production of eggs (ova) and sperm and the development of the sex organs. Secondary sex characteristics: bodily changes of puberty not directly related to reproduction.