11.1 Physical Development in Adolescence

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11.1 Physical Development

The Adolescent Growth Spurt

During adolescence the stable growth patterns in height and weight that mark early and middle childhood come to an end. Stability is replaced by an abrupt burst of growth. This adolescent growth spurt usually lasts two to three years. During this time of rapid growth, most adolescents grow 8-12 inches in height.

Sexual Development

Adolescence begins with the onset of puberty. Puberty refers to the specific developmental changes that lead to the ability to reproduce. This biological stage of development ends when physical growth does.

Changes in Males

In boys, hormones from the pituitary gland cause the testes to increase output of the hormone testosterone. This causes boys' sexual organs to grow, their voices to deepen, and hair to grow on their faces and later on their chests. During the period of rapid growth, boys develop broader shoulders and thicker bodies. They also develop more muscle tissue and larger hearts and lungs.

Changes in Females

In girls, hormones from the pituitary gland stimulate the ovaries to secrete more estrogen. Estrogen spurs the growth of breast tissue and supportive tissue in the hips and buttocks. As a result, the pelvic region widens and the hips become rounder. Girls also produce small amoutns of androgens, which are simlar to testosterone, in the adrenal glands. Androgens stimulate the growth of pubic and underarm hair. Estrogen and androgens work together to spur the growth of the female sex organs.The production of estrogen, which beocmes cyclical in puberty, regulates the menstrual cycle. The first mentruation, or menarche, is a major life event for most girls, and most societies consider it the beginning of womanhood. It usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 14.

Differences in Maturation Rates

However, boys who mature early physically are not necessarily more mature than their peers in some other ways, such as in how they approach and handle problems.

Furthermore, although early-maturing boys may have some advantages over their peers who develop later, these advantages fade over time.

Some adolescents reach physical maturity at a relatively early age, while others reach it later.

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Differences in Maturation Rates

• Early maturation is somewhat different for girls. Girls who mature early may feel awkward becasue they are taller than their classmates, both male and female. They may be teased about their height. Early maturing girls may be tempted to associate with older teens, even when they are not emotionally ready for such associations. Moreover, older boys may assume that these girls are more mature than they realy are and may expect them or pressure them to do things they do not want to do.

• Needless to say, not all girls who mature early encounter problems. In any case, the differences between early and late-maturing girls usually do not last long. Once their peers catch up to them, the issue of differences in maturity generally disappears.