Unit 1: Puberty

Section 1: Human Development

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STAGES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
During lifetime we all experience different physical (physical appearance), psychological (way of
thinking and learning) and social (way we relate to others) changes.

Every person has a different pace of development, so it is difficult to say when each stage of human
life begins and ends.

The main stages are:

• Prenatal stage (0-9 months): from the moment a human being is conceived, it begins
developing all its organs and systems that will allow the baby to live outside its mother’s
womb
• Childhood (0-10 years, app): after birth, children grow fast, they begin to walk, run and
speak. During this stage of life, children go to school and learn to relate with others
• Puberty (11-13 years, app): in this stage the body changes biologically to prepare to be able
to have children, but in this stage humans are not fully matured psychologically
• Adolescence (13-20 years, app): Interests become more defined (music, sports, which
college to go to)
• Adulthood (20-60 years, app): this is the longest stage. The person has responsibilities like a
job or a family. There are no important physical changes, but the lifestyle choices people
make in this stage are important to their well-being when they are older
• Advanced Adulthood (Senior Citizens, 60 years app and above): people become less active
because of reduced physical capabilities and can enjoy more free time

HUMAN SEXUALITY
Human sexuality is related to:
• physical changes that distinguish the male sex from the female
• psychological characteristics like personality, values, feeling and home life

A large part of human development occurs during puberty, all related to the biological ability to
reproduce. However, during this stage, human are not yet psychologically or socially mature enough
to have children.

PUBERTY: A STAGE OF BIG CHANGES

Changes happen because the adolescent starts building his identity, which might have for the rest of
his life. His likes or dislikes are shown through clothing or music. His behavior towards his parents and
classmates changes, because he is searching to be unique and original.

SOCIAL CHANGES
In this stage, people change their relationship with their parents and establish relationships with many
people who have common characteristics (same age and common interests); this is how groups of
friends are formed

PHYSICAL CHANGES
• Primary Sexual Characteristics: are developed during gestation, when reproductive organs
form and the sex of a person is determined
• Secondary Sexual Characteristics: appear during puberty. Some are:

• Change in height • Facial hair (beard)

• Development of (taller)
mammary gland • Hair growth in armpits • Deeper voice
and pubic area
• Wider hips and • Devolpment of • Wider shoulders
stronger muscles internal and external
genitals

Female Male

Science 6th 1
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 2: The Human Reproductive System
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THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
It produces hormones, which control diverse functions of human body, like changes that occur
during puberty.

But one of its main functions is to produce and release gametes. For women, this type of cell is called
oocyte.

Another function of female reproductive system is to allow the formation and development of a
human being until it is born.

The female reproductive system is made of internal and external genitals.

EXTERNAL GENITALS
One of its functions is to protect the internal parts from infections or physical harm

mons pubis urinary bladder

clitoris
labia minora
vaginal opening
labia majora

INTERNAL GENITALS

fallopian tubes
connect each ovary to the
uterus. In these tubes the
oocyte meets the male
gamete, occuring the
fertilization process and
producing an embryo
ovaries two organs with shape and
size like an almond, located
on both sides of the uterus.
uterus Are called female gonads,
stretchy muscular organ of the oocyte are formed
app 7-9 cm long. Inside it is inside them
a layer called endometrium,
where the embryo implnats. vagina formed by muscular walls that
If fertilization doesn’t occur,
the endometrium detacjes,
connect the uterus to the vaginal
opening. One of its functions is the
which causes blood and expulsion of the endometrium during
tissued to exit trough the menstruation, it also allows a baby to
vagina, this process is called be born
menstruation.
If fertilization occurs, the
embryo implnats in the
uterus, and during
pregnancy this organ can
grow up to six times its
normal size

Science 6th 2
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 2: The Human Reproductive System
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THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Forms a gamete called spermatozoon (plural spermatozoa)

EXTERNAL GENITALS

urinary bladder

seminal vesicles are two glands in charge of

making seminal fluid that
give the spermatozoa
nutrients and help them
move

penis
is an organ located outside
testicles are two oval shaped organs located
the body. At the end of it, it
outside the pelvic cavity, a layer of skin
widens forming the glans,
called scrotum protects them. They are
that is covered by skin
the male gonads. Male gametes called
called prepuce
spermatozoa are formed inside of them
many tubes called seminiferous tubes, that
are inside the testicles

INTERNAL GENITALS

urinary bladder

prostate accesory gland located in the upper part of

muscular tubes that vas deferens the urethra. Produces prostate secretions that
transport spermatozoa from help spermatozoa travel
the epididimys to the
urethra tube connected to the urinary bladder. Runs
urethra
throughout the whole penis and reaches the
epididimys
outside. Its muscular walls can contract, allowing
coiled up (enrrollado) tube located semen or urine to exit, because it is a shared duct
above each testicle. Here the between the reproductive and urinary system
spermatozoa thsat come from the
testicles are stored and prepared
to be transported to ther vas
deferens

Prostate and seminal vesicles are accessory glands à the produce secretions + spermatozoa = semen

MALE AND FEMALE GAMETES

• Female gametes: oocytes, formed in the ovaries
• Male gametes: spermatozoa, formed in the testicles

These cells are very important because they allow humans to reproduce. They have different
structures and formation processes.

OOCYTES OR EGG CELLS

Oocyte is spherical and surrounded by a group of cells called follicular cells
These gametes form and mature through a process called
follicular cells ovogenesis that begins before a woman is born. When a
woman is born, each ovary has a limited number of egg cells;
during puberty, they begin the cycle of ovulation, in which an

Science 6th 3
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 2: The Human Reproductive System
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egg is released each month.
Since oocyte doesn’t move on its own, the fallopian tubes contract to help it travel. From the time
the oocyte is released from the ovary, it is only fertile for 24 hours,. If not fertilized, menstruation occurs

SPERMATOZOA

They are formed in the testicle, specifically in the seminiferous tubes, were
millions of spermatozoa are created daily. The process of formation is called
spermatogenesis and starts at puberty and continues during a man’s entire life.
After spermatozoa are produced in the testicles, they move through the
epididymis, were they are stored for approximately 4 weeks, they mature and
form their shape, preparing to move more easily

Spermatozoa are long and thin, there are many of them and are
much smaller than the oocyte

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF GAMETES

OOCYTE

zona pellucida transparent layer between the egg anf the corona radiata. Protects
and stops more than one spermatozoon from fertilizing the egg
cortical granules located inside the egg. Release enzymas that change the structure of
the zona pellucida once a spermatozoon has fertilized the egg

corona radiata layer of follicular cells that surround the egg on the outside and give it
nutrients and protection

SPERMATOZOON

head covered by a portion called acrosome, contains enzymes that allow it

to enter the egg
mid-piece represent a number od structures called mitochondria, give the
spermatozoon the energy to move

tail allows the spermatozoon to move through the femalke reproductive

system to find the egg and fertilize it

HORMONES THAT CAUSE CHANGES

Sexual hormones are responsible for changes in personality and physical appearance.

They are chemical substances produced in the gonads

Science 6th 4
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 2: The Human Reproductive System
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THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE
Ovaries release estrogen and progesterone. One of their effects is related to woman’s reproductive
cycle, called menstrual cycle. It starts with puberty and lasts until ovaries stop releasing oocytes
(about 50 years old).

The menstrual cycle is about 28 days long, but it is different in each woman and can last between 21
to 35 days. During this time, two processes occur:
• The egg is released from the ovary (ovulation)
• The uterus prepares for the possibility of pregnancy

CHANGES DURING THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

menstruation ovulation

Days of the Description

Menstrual
Cycle
1-4 Endometrium decreases because large part of its tissue sheds and is eliminated. It is expelled with
blood in a process called menstruation
5 - 12 The endometrium begins to grow again, increases in thickness and retains more water, preparing
to receive an embryo in the case of fertilization
13 - 15 Ovulation starts. The egg is released from the ovary and travels trough the fallopian tubes.
Endometrium keeps growing
16 - 27 Endometrium continues to thicken, preparing for pregnancy
28 If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium detaches from the uterus wall, starting a new
menstruation cycle

Science 6th 5
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 3: Physical Activity and Hygene
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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PUBERTY
Physical activity has many benefits during puberty. It strengthens the body and helps some social
and psychological aspects of adolescence

THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity is defined as all the movement we do throughout the day, that benefit our bodies
and help us stay healthy

Regular physical activity has many benefits:

• On physical level: reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases and controls weight-gain. Helps
with the development of boned and muscles
• On psychological level: makes you feel better, giving you higher self-esteem and self-worth
• On social level: helps you be more independent and more social when playing team sports

LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Vigorous: means that people spend most of their time doing strenuous things (professional
athletes, farmers, construction workers)
• Moderate: means that people spend some of their time on foot or moving around (jogging,
riding a bike)
• Sedentary: means that people spend most of their day without doing any physical activity
(students or office workers who spend a lot of time sitting down)

TYPES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Resistance exercises: strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (jogging,
walking, riding a bike)
• Strengthen exercises: increase physical capabilities, develop muscles and help maintain
good posture (weight lifting, sit-ups)
• Speed exercises: increase ability to move quickly and be agile, prepare body for fast
reactions (speed races)
• Flexibility exercises: make easier to move and decrease risk of joint injuries

BODY HYGIENE HABITS

Good body hygiene habits help you stay healthy and clean:
• Take a shower everyday
• Use deodorant
• Dry with a clean towel and don’t share it
• Brush teeth after meals and before bedtime
• Put on clean clothes after bathing
• Wash your body with soap and your hair with shampoo
• Wash your hands before esating and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose or
touching pets
• Keep fingernails short and clean

Science 6th 6
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 4: Drugs and the Body
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DRUGS
Are natural or artificial substances that, when consumed, alter a person’s natural state of mind

TYPES OF DRUGS
Drugs can be classified as legal or illegal, or according to the effects they produce when consumed

DRUGS CLASSIFIED BY THEIR LEGALITY

• Legal drugs: their use is controlled by law à tobacco, alcohol and medicines with restricted
use (amphetamines and morphine)
• Illegal drugs: their use is not permitted by law because are extremely harmful to people’s
health (marijuana, cocaine). Using them is a crime

CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS ACCORDING TO THEIR EFFECT ON THE BODY

• Depressants:
o Decrease activity of the nervous system
o Provoke drowsiness and relaxation
o Provoke confusion and memory loss
o Cause loss of perception of surroundings
o Ex: alcohol, heroine, tranquilizers (diazepam, morphine)
• Stimulators:
o Accelerate the activity of the nervous system
o Decrease emotional control
o Ex: cocaine, crack, nicotine, ecstasy and amphetamines
• Hallucinogens:
o Alter perception, feelings and sensations
o Stimulate visual and auditory senses
o Produce visual and auditory hallucinations
o Ex: marijuana, LSD

EFFECTS OF DRUG USE ON THE BODY

Tobacco: Alcohol: Marijuana:

• Chronic bronchitis • Brain deterioration • Altered perception
• Mouth, larynx, lung • Decrease in thought of reality
cancer and judgment • Altered memory
• Risk of heart attack • Change in breathing • Bronchitis
• Variation in heart rate • Increase in heart
• Cirrhosis of the liver rate
• Increase in blood • Risk of lung cancer
pressure • Loss of balance
• Loss of balance and and coordination
coordination

Science 6th 7
Unit 1: Puberty
Section 4: Drugs and the Body
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CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG USE

DRUGS CREATE DEPENDENCE

It is shown when the consumer feels the need to consume them regularly, as a result of the body
becoming accustomed to drug use. When consumer can’t take drugs, shows symptoms like anxiety,
insomnia, tremors and dizziness.

DRUGS CREATE TOLERANCE

Drugs change a person’s perception of reality because affect the nervous system, but the sensation
changes because body builds up tolerance to drugs, so the person increases the amount of drugs
consumed to try to have the same experience of the first time.

DRUGS CREATE ADDICTION

Dependence and tolerance lead to addiction à the uncontrollable impulse to consume them again
and again

ADDICTION TREATMENT
When an addict stops using drugs, he experiences withdrawal symptoms, which can provoke serious
physical problems to him.
To cope with withdrawal symptoms, the addict needs to seek help in a detoxification or rehabilitation
facility. They also need support from family and friends, psychologists and doctors.

PREVENTING DRUG USE

• Cultivate good self-esteem: if you accept and love yourself, this will give you the security and
confidence to make responsible decisions
• Respect yourself and others: other people should respect you and not pressure you into making
bad decisions; and you should do the same
• Understand yourself and the effects of drugs: taking care of your body and knowing the
negative effects of drug use will help you live free from harmful substances
• Importance of family: family values are fundamental in dealing with problems of drug use
• Communication and affection within your family: a home with love, affection and protection
gives you security and confidence, contributing to good communication and freedom of
expression:
• Promote a healthy lifestyle: an environment that encourages healthy habits allows for good use
of free time in a safe place

Science 6th 8