PS102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Adipocyte, Leptin, Personal Identity
Document Summary
Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood. Begins at around age 13 and ends at about age 22. A critical time for the development of important physical and psychological attributes, even a sense of identity. Adolescent growth spurt phase of rapid growth in height and weight. Recent evidence suggests that rising levels of leptin, the recently discovered hormone that reflects the body"s fat cell storage, may provide the crucial signals for these growth spurts. Pubescene is used to describe the two-year span receding puberty, during which the changes leading to physical and sexual maturity take place. Secondary sex characteristics physical features that distinguish one sex from the other but that are not essential for reproduction ex. Puberty is the stage during which sexual functions reach maturity, which marks the beginning of adolescence. Primary sex characteristics the structures necessary for reproduction. The primary sex characteristics develop fully during puberty.
