ADVERTISEMENTS:
In this article we will discuss about the physical changes that occurs in boys and girls during adolescence.
Physical Changes in Girls:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
1. Development of breasts.
2. Pubic hair is often the second major physical change of puberty.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
3. The first menstrual event is referred to as menarche. The average age of menarche in girls is about 12-13 years.
4. In response to rising levels of estrogen, the lower half of the pelvis widens. Fat deposition occurs in the hips, thighs, upper arms, etc. This produces the typical female body shape.
5. Rising levels of androgens change the fatty acid composition of perspiration, resulting in a pronounced “adult” body odour. Another androgen effect is increased secretion of oil (sebum) from the skin leading to acne.
Physical Changes in Boys:
1. The testis enlarges in size and starts producing testosterone. Rising levels of testosterone promote growth of the genital organs.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
2. Pubic hair often appears on a boy shortly after the genitalia begin to grow.
3. Following the appearance of pubic hair, other areas of skin which respond to androgens develop hair.
4. Male breasts often respond to the rising estradiol levels. This is termed as gynecomastia. In most boys, breast development is minimal, but in many boys, breast growth may be substantial.
5. Body odour, skin changes and acne is seen in boys as in the girls.
6. The larynx grows and becomes prominent and the voice changes in boys.
7. The growth is accelerated in boys when compared to girls. It begins to accelerate about 9 months after the first signs of testicular enlargement and peak growth occurs about 2 years after the onset of puberty. Adult height is reached at an average age of about 17.5 years.
8. Male musculature and body shape occurs by the end of puberty, adult men have heavier bones and nearly twice as much skeletal muscle.
