Puberty and Adolescence | CHAPTER 9 | Anatomy and Physiology

Puberty and Adolescence – The course is designed for the basic understanding of anatomical structures and physiological functions of human body, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, respiratory system; cardiovascular system; urinary system, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system, hematologic system, sensory organs, integumentary system, and immune system.The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and skills regarding anatomy and physiology.

Puberty and Adolescence

Puberty and Adolescence are the phases of growth berween childhood and adulthood. (age between 10 to 14 years, the average age of onset of puberty is 12 yrs in girls and 14 yrs in boys)

• Puberty refers to the stage of gonadal development and maturation to the point where reproduction is possible for the first time between childhood and adulthood
• Adolescence refers to the period of sudden spurt of physical growth between childhood and adulthood.

Puberty in male:-

Puberty in the male occurs between the age of 10 to 14 years. Luteinizing hormone from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland stimulates the interstitial cells of the testes to increase the production of testosterone. This hormone influences the development of the body to sexual maturity. The following changes are occurred at puberty in male are.

• Growth of muscle and bone and marked increase in height and weight.
• Enlargement of the larynx and deepening of the voice it breaks.
• Growth of hair on face, axilla, chest, abdomen and pubic.
• 4 Enlargement of external genital organs. (penis, scrotum and prostate gland).
• Maturation of seminiferous tubules and production of spermatozoa.

Puberty in female:-

Puberty is the age at which the internal reproductive organs reach maturation, signal by per vaginal bleeding, this is called the menarche and marks the beginning of child bearing period. The ovaries are stimulated by the gonadotrophins from the anterior pituitary Follicle stimulating hormone, and Luteinizing hormone. The following changes are occurred at puberty in female are…

• The uterus, the uterine tubes and the ovaries reach maturity.
• The menstrual cycle and ovulation begin.
• The breasts develop and enlarge.
• Pubic and axillary hair begins to grow.
• Increase in the rate of growth in height and widening of the pelvis.
• Increase in the amount of fat deposited in the subcutaneous tissue, specially at the hips and breasts.

(Ref: Ross & Wilson 9th /444,445,450,451 + K. Indu, 1″ ed,P-382,383)

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