1. Human Growth and Development Lesson 1 – Introduction to Puberty

2. Ground Rules Listen Respectively No Slang No Dumb Questions No Making Fun Of Others

3. Puberty Puberty is a time of physical, mental and social changes.  Puberty is like popcorn, some kernels pop early, some pop in the middle and some pop at the end – if you wait long enough they will all pop.

4. What is the endocrine system? System of glands that help to regulate body functions.  The three most important endocrine glands during puberty are the pituitary, testes, and ovaries.

5. The small gland responsible for the growth spurt Pituitary Gland  About the size of a pea, this gland is located at the base of the brain.

6. What causes the changes at puberty? Hormones  Testosterone  Estrogen

7. The main hormone produced by the testes Testosterone  It is responsible for many of the sexual changes that occur in boys during puberty

8. Physical Changes to Males at Puberty Growth spurt Deeper voice Broader shoulders Body hair Erections Sperm and Testosterone production Nocturnal Emissions

9. What is an erection? When the inner spaces of the penis fill with blood, causing it to become firm, or erect.  This may occur due to sexual thoughts, touching the penis, during sleep, or sometimes for no reason at all.

10. What is the male reproductive gland? Testicle or testes

11. What is the male reproductive cell? Sperm

12. The main hormone produced by the ovaries Estrogen  It is responsible for many of the sexual and physical changes that occur in girls during puberty

13. Changes in girls physical appearance during puberty Taller Breasts develop Wider hips

14. What is the female reproductive gland? The ovaries

15. What is the female reproductive cell? Egg cell or ovum

16. What is ovulation? Ovulation is the release of an egg from an ovary.  It occurs about once every month  The ovaries usually take turns releasing an egg each month

17. What is the menstrual period? Discharge of blood from the vagina, usually every month.  It is normal and a sign that the female’s body is preparing so she might have a baby someday

18. Why is personal hygiene important at puberty? Sweat glands and sebaceous (oil) glands are more active.  Using deodorant/soap and keeping the face clean is important to prevent acne

19. Emotional changes at puberty Concerns about body image, height, genital size Sexual attraction Emotional highs and lows

20. Which sex may start having sexual thoughts? Both males and females

21. Wrap Up Questions: 1. What is one thing you learned today that you did not really know or understand before? 2. Where, or from who, did you learn about puberty? 3. Have you had any talks or discussions with your parents about puberty? Was it comfortable talking about it? Why or Why not?