What are the physical changes seen in boys and girls during adolescence? | Development | Emotions

Physical (General body) Growth and Development

        Adolescence is the most rapid growth and development period after the fatal life more period. First two years of adolescence witness more rapid growth and development than some the rest of adolescence period. Some differences in growth and development between boys and girls are observed. By and large one fourth of the total height are attained during adolescence period. The physical growth and development of boys and girls are shown below.

 

Sr.	Girls	Boys
1.	Starts two years earlier in comparison of boys i.e., 10 to 12 years.	Start two years later in comparison of girls i.e., 12 to 14 years.
2.	Rapid increase in height and weight	Rapid increase in height and weight
3.	High fat deposition especially on things and buttocks, gives a typical female shape	Body becomes more muscular because of high proteins deposition. Very low fat deposition so, buttocks are small in comparison.
4.	Shoulder bones remain small and pelvic bone widen.	Shoulder bones widen and pelvic one remains small.
5.	Voice remain high pitched i.e., shrill feminine voice	Voice becomes low pitched e.g., heavy male voice
6.	Hair growth in armpits, around private region and inside the thighs. On rest of the place of body comparatively light hair.	Hair growth in armpits, around private region, inside the thighs, face, chest, arms and legs
7.	Skin remains thin and smooth.	Skin becomes thick and rough, Stronger in comparison to female.
8.	Acnes may appear.	Acnes may appear.

 Growth and Development of Reproductive Organs

        Till adolescence age, reproductive organs remain dormant. But during six to eight years of adolescence period they attain development from ten percent to total growth. The growth and development of reproductive organs are described below.

Sr.	Girls	Boys
1.	Breast bud’s appearance and they gradually develop into full size breast.	No similar change.
2.	Reproductive organs increase in shape and size.	Reproductive organs increase in shape and size.
3.	Skin around the reproductive organs becomes dark. (pigmented)	Skin around the reproductive organs becomes dark. (pigmented)
4.	Ova mature in the ovaries and one ovum is released every month.	Sperm production starts in the testes. Crores of sperms are produced daily.
5.	Menstruation sets in. i.e., menarche	No similar change.

Emotional Changes

        Emotion has no sex difference. Boys and girls experience same emotional changes during adolescence period. Under the influence of hormones emotions during this age period are very volatile. Emotions like anger, love, affection, shyness, worry, anxiety, depression, eagerness appear very quickly and disappear with the same place. Frequent fluctuations in emotions are seen.

Development of Sexuality

        Along with the growth and development of reproductive organs, because of the release of hormones sexual feelings and desires are also developed during adolescence. Adolescent boys or girls become conscious of the presence of opposite sex. He or she feels shy of her/his presence and try to escape away though attracted by her/him. He/she is attracted by the opposite sex. He/she is very curious to know their details about matters related to sex.