Reaching the age of adolescence · किशोरावस्था की ओर
A free Biology lesson for Class 8 children.
The years between about 11 and 19 are adolescence. The body changes and becomes able to reproduce. This is puberty.
Changes are controlled by hormones from endocrine glands. Testosterone in boys and oestrogen in girls bring the changes.
The pituitary gland controls other glands. The thyroid makes thyroxine, and too little iodine causes goitre. The pancreas makes insulin.
In humans the sex of a baby is decided by the chromosomes: XX for a girl, XY for a boy. The father's sperm carries X or Y.
Adolescents need a balanced diet, exercise, cleanliness and enough sleep. Say no to drugs and tobacco.