Changes at Puberty

Changes at Puberty

What changes occur in humans at puberty?

CHANGES AT PUBERTY

• Increase in Height: The most conspicuous change is a sudden increase in height of a person during puberty due to elongation of the bones of arms and legs. Initially girls grow faster than boys; both reach maximum height by the age of around 18 years.

Formula for calculating full height (cm) = Present height(cm)/ % of full height at this age X 100

• Changes in body shape: In boys, the shoulders generally broaden and muscles of the body grow more prominently than in girls.

For girls, the region below the waist becomes wider and less growth of muscles.

• Voice change: Voicebox or larynx in boy develops into larger in size.

 

It can be seen as protruding part of the throat as ADAM'S APPLE.

 

In girls, the larynx is hardly visible due to smaller size in growth. Boys have deep voices whereas girls have high pitch voices.

• Increased activity of sweat and sebaceous glands: During puberty, there is an increase in the secretion of sweat glands and sebaceous glands which may lead to the appearance of acne and pimples.

• Development of sex organ : At puberty, male sex organs like the testes and penis develop completely and begin to produce sperms. In girls, the ovaries enlarge and start releasing eggs or ova.

• Reaching mental, intellectual and emotional maturity: During adolescence, they tend to think more. Feel insecure when while trying to adjust to the changes in mind and body. During adolescence, a person's brain has the greatest capacity for learning.

What happens due to a sudden increase in height of adolescents?

• It may not happen that all the parts of the body would grow at the same rate at this age.
• Hence, sometimes the legs and arms of teenagers appear oversized or not in proportion to their bodies.
• But with time everything comes in proportion.

Why height of family members is generally similar?

• The height of a person is a characteristic that they receive from their parents.
• Hence, in general, the height of a person is similar to the height of a family member.
• But it is also recommended that adolescents should eat a proper diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can help in their growth.