Chapter 10

Reaching the age of adolescence

QI . Define-

(a)Hormones- Chemicals secreted by the glands of the endocrine

system that control several processes in the body are known as
hormones. Example - thyroxine, insulin etc.

(b) Endocrine system- The collection of glands that produce hormones

which regulate the growth, metabolism, sexual development and
various other functions of the body.

(c) Menstrual cycle - The cycle of producing and releasing a mature

egg, the thickening of the uterus wall and it's shedding if fertilization
does not occur is known as menstrual cycle.

QII . Answer the following questions-

Q1. What are the differences between autosomes and sex

chromosomes?
A1

Autosomes Sex chromosome

1 These chromosomes control the These chromosomes determine

body characters. the sex of an individual.

2 In human beings, 22 pairs of In human beings, one pair of sex

autosomes are present. chromosomes is present.
3 These are same in males and
females. These are not same in males
and females. Male - X and Y
Female - X and X

Q2. Name the endocrine glands, their location, hormones they

secrete and their function.

A2.
Endocrine Location Hormones Functions
gland
Pituitary gland At the base of ● Growth ● It
brain hormone( stimulates
GH) growth.
● Thyroid ● It
stimulating stimulates
hormone(T thyroid to
SH) produce
thyroxine.
Thyroid gland In oesophagus Thyroxine It affects
growth.
Parathyroid In oesophagus Parathormone It regulates
gland calcium level in
the body.
Pancreas Below stomach Insulin It regulates
blood sugar
level.
Adrenal gland Upper part of Adrenalin It prepares the
kidney body to fight or
to run away.
Ovary( female) Lower part of Oestrogen Control the
abdomen ,Progesterone( development of
female sex secondary
hormone). sexual
characteristics.

Testes( male) Outside the Testosterone Control the

abdominal cavity (male sex development of
in the scrotal sac hormone). secondary
sexual
characteristics.
Q3. List secondary sex characteristics that appear in boys and girls at
puberty.

A3 The following changes are observed in boys and girls during

puberty-

(i ) Increase in height
(ii) Changes in body shape
(iii) Development of hair
(iv) Voice changes
(v) Activity of oil and sweat glands
(vi) Changes in behaviour and attitudes
(vii) Sexual feelings

Q4. How is the sex of Unborn baby determined?

A4 (i) All human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes out of which 22

pairs are autosomes and one pair is of sex chromosomes.
(ii) A female has two X chromosomes whereas male has One X and one
Y chromosome.

(iii) When X chromosome of male fertilizes X chromosome of female,

zygote would develop into a female child whereas when Y chromosome of
male fertilizes X chromosome of female, zygote would develop into a
male child.
Q5. Why is looking after physical health more important at the
adolescent age?

A5. During adolescence there are rapid mental and physical changes.
Therefore, looking after physical and mental health is more important.

Q6. Many adolescent boys look awkward and disproportionate. Why

is that so?

A6. During adolescence, different body parts do not grow at the same
rate.
Example- The arms and the legs often grow faster than other parts. So,
many adolescent boys look awkward and disproportionate.

Q7. Why endocrine glands are called ductless glands?

A7. Endocrine glands do not have ducts and release their hormones
directly into the blood stream. So, these are known as ductless glands.
 Q8. Why is pituitary gland referred to as master gland.

A 8. Pituitary gland is referred to as master gland because it influences

the functioning of other glands. Example - It produces TSH( thyroid
stimulating hormone) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce
Thyroxine.

Q9 . Drugs are harmful at all ages. Why do we then specially

emphasize that adolescents should avoid drugs?

A9 . Since adolescence is a stage of insecurity and confusion, it is easy

for adolescent minds to fall prey to drug and alcohol abuse. Drugs are very
addictive and once taken, there is a tendency to take them again and
again. They harm the body in the long run.

Value based question-

Q10. Ramesh studies in class 10. He says he would like to try

alcohol and drugs just to see what they are like. Is he correct in doing
this? What advice would you give to him?

A10 No. We would advice him to not to indulge in such activities as they
can cause severe damage to the body. For example- Alcohol hampers
with the decision making capacity of an individual .
 Complex Questions: (2)
Q1) Male XY and female XX fertilizes and produce : A) 50% Boys, 50%

Girls.

B) 70% Boys, 30% Girls.

C) 10%Boys, 90%Girls.

D) 60%Boys, 40%Girls

Choose the most appropriate option.

a) Both B and D are correct

b) Both A and C are correct

c) Only A is correct

d) All are correct

Ans 1) Option (c) Only A is correct

Q2) Given below are two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Endocrine glands are called as ductless glands.

Reason (R): Sweat gland is not ductless.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

c) A is true but R is false

d) A is false but R is true

Ans 2) Option (b) - Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A

Correct reason: Ductless glands are those glands which secrete their secretion directly into the
blood.