Chapter Seven

• Abstract thought


  A complex thought process where ideas are the focus rather than tangible objects
• Aerobic capacity


  The maximum amount of oxygen that an individual's body can utilise during exercise
• Bilingual


  Being able to speak two languages fluently
• Concrete thought


  A simple thought process that centres on objects and the physical environment
• Development


  The series of orderly, predictable changes that occur from fertilisation until death. Development can be physical, social, emotional or intellectual
• Developmental milestone


  A significant skill or event occurring in a person's life (for example, learning to walk, getting a job or having children)
• Ejaculation


  The process whereby semen is ejected from a male's penis
• Emotional development


  Relates to experiencing the full range of emotions, and increasing complexity relating to the expression of emotions, the development of a self-concept and resilience
• Epiphyseal plates


  A cartilage section at each end of long bones that allows the bone to lengthen, resulting in growth
• Fertilisation


  The fusing of a sperm and an egg cell. Marks the beginning of pregnancy. Also known as conception
• Fine motor skills


  The manipulation and coordination of small muscle groups such as those in the hands
• Generation gap


  The difference in attitudes and opinions experienced by people of different generations
• Gross motor skills


  The manipulation and coordination of large muscle groups such as those in the arms and legs
• Intellectual development


  The increase in complexity of processes in the brain such as thought, knowledge and memory
• Menarche


  The first occurrence of menstruation in females
• Menstruation


  The discharge of blood and other tissue from the uterus that marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle
• Narcissistic


  Having an over-inflated sense of self-importance
• Period


  See menstruation
• Physical development


  Changes to the body and its systems. These can be changes in size (i.e. growth), complexity (for example, the increase in complexity of the nervous system) and motor skills (for example, learning to walk)
• Primary sex characteristics


  Body parts that are directly involved in reproduction and form what are commonly referred to as 'genitals' and organs of reproduction
• Puberty


  Biological changes that occur during youth and prepare the individual for sexual reproduction
• Resilience


  The ability to effectively deal with adverse or negative events that occur throughout life
• Secondary sex characteristics


  Traits arising from changes in both males and females at puberty. They are neither directly related to reproduction nor present at birth
• Semen


  A substance containing sperm and fluids that is released from the penis during ejaculation
• Social development


  The increasing complexity of behaviour patterns used in relationships with other people
• Sperm


  A component of semen. Sperm are the male sex cells required for reproduction
• Spermarche


  Relating to the first ejaculation in males
• Youth


  People aged 12 to 18 years; however, it should be acknowledged that classifications for the stage of youth can differ across agencies
• Zygote


  A full cell resulting from the fusion of a sperm and an ovum