Reaching the age of

Adolescence
By Aishwarya Rathi
Form class 8th
Introduction:

▪ In this chapter, we will learn about the changes that take place in the
human body during adolescence and the reproduction organs.
▪ We would also learn about the hormones that bring changes from
childhood adulthood.
Adolescence
▪ The period of life, when the body undergoes many changes
leading to reproductive maturity.
▪ It starts around the age of 11 and ends at the age of 18 or 19.
▪ As this period covers the “teens” (13 to 18 or 19),
adolescents are also known as ‘teenagers’.
Puberty

▪ When the body undergoes these changes, it marks the onset of Puberty
▪ The most important change that occurs in boys and girls is that they
become capable of reproduction.
▪ Puberty ends when an adolescent reaches reproductive maturity .
Changes during Puberty.
▪ Increase in height:-
The long bones ( arm and leg
bones) elongate making the
person taller.
▪ Voice changes:-
The voice in most boys is
generally low and deep as they
have a bigger larynx
▪ Change in body shape
▪ Sweat and sebaceous gland
increase:- these glands come
upon the face and cause acne
and pimples.
▪ Mental, emotional, and
intellectual changes
▪ Development of sex organs
Secondary Sexual Characters

▪ Secondary sexual characteristics can be defined as the development of any physical

characteristic which helps distinguish between males and females during puberty (sexual
maturity).
▪ These characters are not directly involved in reproduction.
▪ Secondary sexual characters in males:
– Growth of facial hair
– The shoulder becomes wider.
– The voice becomes deeper and hoarse.

▪ Secondary sexual character in females:

– Breasts enlarge and mammary glands develop
– Pelvic region widens
– The voice becomes shrill.
– Hair grows in the pubic area.
Hormones

▪ hormones are chemicals that essentially function as messengers of the body.

These chemicals are secreted by special glands known as the endocrine glands.
▪ These endocrine glands are distributed throughout the body. These messengers
control many physiological functions as well as psychological health.
▪ They are also quite important in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
 Menstruation and menstrual cycle
▪ Menstrual cycle:
▪ It is the reproductive cycle of female
primates (such as monkeys, apes,
and humans).
▪ The menstrual cycle is the sequence
of events that begins with one
menstruation and ends with the next.
▪ Menstruation, the follicular phase,
ovulation, and the luteal phase are
the four phases of the menstrual
cycle.
▪ Menstruation:
▪ Menstruation is the breakdown of the uterus'
endometrial lining and blood vessels, resulting in a
liquid that is expelled through the vaginal canal.
▪ The menstrual flow lasts for three to five days.
▪ Menstruation occurs every 28/29 days in human
females.
▪ If the released ovum is not fertilized, menstruation
begins.
▪ Menstrual irregularities could indicate pregnancy.
▪ However, it could also be caused by underlying
factors such as stress, bad health, and so on.
 Determining the sex of the baby

▪The sex of a baby is determined by the type of male gamete that fuses with the female gamete.

▪All human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their nuclei.

▪Out of these 23 pairs, the last pair is known as the sex chromosome.​
▪The sex chromosome in human males is XY and hence the gamete produced by them will have either an X chromosome or a Y
chromosome.
▪Females have XX chromosomes hence they always contribute an X chromosome in their female gametes.

▪The sex of the baby is determined by the sex chromosome that is contributed by the male, either X or Y as the specific male gamete
that fuses will define the sex of the baby.
▪If the male contributes an X chromosome then the baby is a girl and if Y, then the baby will develop into a boy.
The GLAND Master

▪ The Pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a pea-sized

endocrine gland situated at the base of our brain.
▪ It is often referred to as the ‘Master Gland’ because it produces some
of the important hormones in the body.
▪ It is situated in a bony structure called the Pituitary fossa, just below
the hypothalamus, close to the optic nerve.
Metamorphosis

▪ Metamorphosis is a biological process by which animals, including

insects, amphibians, and a few aquatic animals undergo extreme and
rapid physical changes sometime after birth. The result of
metamorphosis changes the entire body of an organism. These
changes include the maturation of enzymes, and blood cells, the
remodeling of the nervous systems, digestive systems,
Questions and answers
▪ Questions
1) Define Adolescence
2) Name any 2 changes during
puberty.
3) If X and Y chromosomes
come in contact, the sex of the
child will be?
4) What is hypophysis?
▪ Answers
1) The period of life, when the body
undergoes many changes leading to
reproductive maturity.
2) Increase in height and Development
of sex organs
3) Male
4) It is a pea-sized endocrine gland
situated at the base of our brain. It is
often referred to as the ‘Master
Gland’ because it produces some of
the important hormones in the body.
Thank You!