What is initiated puberty?
The trigger for puberty in both boys and girls is the production of ‘gonadotrophin releasing hormone’ (GnRH) from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to release two hormones, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
What happens to the prefrontal cortex in early adolescence?
During adolescence, myelination and synaptic pruning in the prefrontal cortex increase s , improving the efficiency of information processing, and neural connections between the prefrontal cortex and other regions of the brain are strengthened. However, this growth takes time and the growth is uneven.
What glands develop at puberty?
The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes all produce hormones involved in the changes of puberty.
What is the relationship between the limbic system and adolescent behavior?
During puberty, the increases in estrogen and testosterone bind receptors in the limbic system, which not only stimulates sex drive, but also increases adolescents’ emotional volatility and impulsivity. Changes in the brain’s reward sensitivity that occur during puberty have also been explored.
Why do we go through puberty?
Why do we go through puberty? During puberty your body becomes able to reproduce, or have children. Your reproductive parts mature and your body grows bigger and stronger. Your brain also matures and you make new social connections.
How is teenage behavior affected by the development of the prefrontal cortex?
Changes in the Prefrontal Cortex As the prefrontal cortex matures, teenagers can reason better, develop more control over impulses and make judgments better. In fact, this part of the brain has been dubbed “the area of sober second thought.”
Why is puberty so awkward?
The body of a child going through puberty is constantly being flooded with hormones, causing physical and psychological changes. Children’s bodies change during puberty, which is a big part of the reason they feel so “awkward”. This awkwardness manifests itself in several ways, like clumsiness and insecurity.
How developed is the brain at 14?
The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. Teens process information with the amygdala.
How long does a teenager sleep?
According to Johns Hopkins pediatrician Michael Crocetti, M.D., M.P.H. , teens need 9 to 9½ hours of sleep per night—that’s an hour or so more than they needed at age 10.
Should I shave my 9 year olds armpits?
There’s really no right or wrong age for kids to begin shaving. It all depends on when their body changes and their interest level. For instance, some girls start puberty as young as age 8 or 9, while boys start puberty a little later. Consequently, both boys and girls may have an interest in shaving at some point.