Endocrine System and Adolescence — Question 10
Back to all questionsFour activities which can be practiced to overcome stress are:
- Yoga — Yoga is a mind body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing and meditation or relaxation. It helps to reduce stress with:
- Increased flexibility.
- Increased muscle strength and tone.
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
- Weight reduction.
- Improved athletic performance.
- Exercise — Just 30 to 45 minutes of exercise at least three times a week can make one feel much healthier. Regular exercise can be done by running/jogging, swimming, cricket, football, hockey, etc.
- Proper sleep schedule — Sound and timely sleep helps one to reduce the level of stress.
- Reading — It is a great way to calm the mind and to gain knowledge.
Reaching the Age of Adolescence – Interactive Study Guide
Adolescence (11–19 years) is a period of significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. Puberty marks its beginning, when the body becomes capable of reproduction.
Changes During Puberty
| Change | In Boys | In Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Body shape | Broad shoulders, muscular | Wider hips, rounded body |
| Voice | Deeper (Adam's apple) | Higher-pitched |
| Hair growth | Facial hair, body hair | Underarm, leg hair |
| Reproductive | Sperm production begins | Menstruation begins |
Hormones at a Glance
- Testosterone (from testes) → Male secondary characters
- Oestrogen (from ovaries) → Female secondary characters
- Pituitary gland → Triggers testes/ovaries (master gland)
Menstrual Cycle Summary
Ovary releases egg → Uterus lining thickens → If NOT fertilised → Lining breaks down → Menstruation (3–5 days) → Cycle repeats
Menarche: First period (10–12 yrs). Menopause: Periods stop (~45–50 yrs).
Self-Test Questions
- Define puberty and adolescence.
- List 4 secondary sexual characters in boys.
- What is the role of oestrogen during puberty?
- Why is a balanced diet important during adolescence?
- How is the sex of a child determined?
Endocrine System – Interactive Study Guide
The endocrine system consists of ductless glands that secrete hormones into the blood. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and response to stress.
Endocrine vs Exocrine at a Glance
| Feature | Endocrine | Exocrine |
|---|---|---|
| Ducts | Ductless | Have ducts |
| Secretion | Hormones (into blood) | Enzymes, sweat (through ducts) |
| Examples | Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal | Salivary, sweat, liver |
Master Table: Glands, Hormones, Functions
| Gland | Hormone | Function | Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pituitary | GH | Growth | Dwarfism / Gigantism |
| Thyroid | Thyroxine | Metabolism (needs iodine) | Goitre / Cretinism |
| Parathyroid | Parathormone | Calcium regulation | Tetany |
| Adrenal | Adrenaline | Fight-or-flight | Addison's disease |
| Pancreas | Insulin / Glucagon | Blood sugar regulation | Diabetes mellitus |
| Testes | Testosterone | Male characters | — |
| Ovaries | Oestrogen | Female characters | — |
Feedback Mechanism
High hormone level → Gland reduces production. Low hormone level → Gland increases production.
Example: High blood sugar → Insulin released → Sugar absorbed by cells → Sugar drops → Insulin production stops.
Self-Test Questions
- Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?
- What is goitre? How can it be prevented?
- Differentiate between insulin and glucagon.
- What happens during a fight-or-flight response?
- Explain the feedback mechanism with the example of blood sugar.