Page 453 - Primary Six Notes

Changes during adolescence and puberty

Adolescence

Adolescence is the period following the onset of puberty dur-

ing which a young person develops from a child into an adult.

It is a transitional phase of growth and development between

childhood and adulthood.

A person at this stage is called an adolescent (ages between 10

and 19).

Puberty

This is the period of physical mental and sexual maturity i.e.
when one becomes a young adult capable of producing.

Changes in adolescents at puberty are called sex characteris-
tics. There are three types:

 Primary sex characteristics

 Secondary sex characteristics

Primary sex characteristics (Basic)

This involves the development of sexual organs for reproduc-

tion.

Primary sex characteristics in boys

 Penis and testicles enlarge (increase in size)

 The testicles start producing sperms (boys begin experienc-

ing wet dreams.

 Internal organs begin producing fluid like semen.