REACHING THE AGE OF ADOLESCENCE

It is believed that height of a child depends upon the genes
inherited from parents. However, it is often seen that tall parents
may have short children and vice-versa. Are there factors other
than genes, that can cause these variations?

Our government has legalised the age for marriage in boys and
girls. Give reasons as to why one should get married after a
certain age.

Salma had a very soft and smooth skin during her childhood.
As she entered adolescence, she developed pimples on her face.
The skin specialist advised her to wash her face at regular
intervals. Can you explain the reasons for the appearance of
pimples on her face and suggest ways to prevent them?

Observe the chart and graph given in Fig. 10.3 carefully and
answer the following questions.

John and Radha were classmates since childhood. When Radha
became eleven years old, she developed a little swelling on her
neck. She visited the doctor who started medication for her. After
a few years, John also developed a slight protrusion on his throat.
He got worried and went to the doctor. But, the doctor assured
him that it was a normal feature in boys while they are growing
up. Can you think of any reasons for the difference in diagnoses?

In human females, each time during maturation and release of
egg the inner wall of uterus thickens. Is this thickening
permanent? Give reasons.

Name the hormone which would be released during the following
situations:
(a) a frightened person.
(b) growth of a child to adult.
(c) development of caterpillar to moth.
(d) development of tadpole to frog.

During adolescence, the body of boys and girls undergoes certain
changes. Given below are a few of those changes.
(a) Broad shoulders
(b) Wider chests
(c) Wider region below waist
(d) Development of muscles
(e) Development of mammary glands
(f) Growth of facial hair
(g) Acne and pimples on face
(h) Development of sex organs
(i) High-pitched voice
(j) Growth of pubic hair.

Read the statements given below and fill up the blanks with the
correct words listed in the box.
deep, ductless, nutrients, thyroxine
(a) The meal that includes all __________ is a balanced diet.
(b) Insufficient production of __________ in the tadpoles leads to
their incomplete development.
(c) Endocrine glands are also called __________ glands.
(d) After attaining puberty boys develop a__________ voice.

A few of Paheli’s classmates eat potato chips and burgers
regularly during the recess at school. Are they healthy eating
habits? Give reasons.

We should avoid taking medicines/drugs unless prescribed by a
doctor. Give reasons.

Mention any two features each that are seen in boys and girls
each to distinguish them from each other at puberty.

Lila always eats only dal and rice in every meal. She often falls ill
and has become prone to diseases. Can you suggest changes in
her diet which can make her healthy and free from disease?

Match the hormones given in Column A with their deficiency
disease given in Column B.
Column A                                                  Column B
(a) thyroxine                                             (i) salt imbalance
(b) growth hormone                                   (ii) diabetes
(c) Insulin                                                 (iii) goitre
(d) Adrenal hormone                                  (iv) Dwarfism

Name the female hormone produced by ovaries that helps in
development of mammary glands.

Name the hormone that is released by testes at the onset of
puberty.

Give a suitable word for each of the following statements.
(a) The site which responds to a hormone.
(b) Name of a gland which transports secretions through ducts.
(c) Chemicals which control changes at adolescence stage.
(d) It marks the beginning of reproductive period.

Complete the following sentences.
(a) In females, the uterine wall thickens to receive the __________.
(b) Endocrine glands release hormones directly into___________for
transportation to the __________.
(c) The sex hormones,_______________________ and estrogen are
responsible for the development of __________ characters.
(d) Release of sex hormones is under the control of a hormone
secreted from the __________.

The table below shows the data on likely heights of boys and girls as they grow in age. Draw graphs showing height and age for both boys and girls on the same graph paper. What conclusions can be drawn from these graphs?

Word game: Use the clues to work out the words.

Across

3. Protruding voice box in boys

4. Glands without ducts

7. Endocrine gland attached to brain

8. Secretion of endocrine glands

9. Pancreatic hormone

10. Female hormone

Down

1. Male hormone

2. Secretes thyroxin

3. Another term for teenage

5. Hormone reaches here through blood stream

6. Voice box

7. Term for changes at adolescence

Choose the correct option.

(a) Adolescents should be careful about what they eat, because

(i) proper diet develops their brains.

(ii) proper diet is needed for the rapid growth taking place in their body.

(iii) adolescents feel hungry all the time.

(iv) taste buds are well developed in teenagers.

(b) Reproductive age in women starts when their

(i) menstruation starts.

(ii) breasts start developing.

(iii) body weight increases.

(iv) height increases.

(c) The right meal for adolescents consists of

(i) chips, noodles, coke.

(ii) chapatti, dal, vegetables.

(iii) rice, noodles and burger.

(iv) vegetable cutlets, chips and lemon drink.

What are sex hormones? Why are they named so? State their function.

Prepare a table having two columns depicting names of endocrine glands and hormones secreted by them.

List changes in the body that take place at puberty.

What is menstruation? Explain.

Define adolescence.

What is the term used for secretions of endocrine glands responsible for changes taking place in the body?