Question

According to the "Adolescent Development" lecture, which of the following hormonal processes is MOST responsible for Kofi's bodily changes, including body odor?

a) The release of adrenaline.
b) The activation of the thyroid gland.
c) The secretion of sex hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen.
d) The production of insulin.

Answer 1

The secretion of sex hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen, is the most responsible for the bodily changes during adolescence, including the development of body odor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options given regarding bodily changes in adolescence, specifically body odor, the most responsible hormonal process is c) The secretion of sex hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen. During puberty, the hypothalamus becomes less sensitive to negative feedback and increases its secretion of GnRH, which then stimulates the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH. In response to these pituitary hormones, the gonads secrete higher levels of sex steroids like testosterone or estrogen. Testosterone in males leads to various secondary sexual characteristics, including the growth of facial, axillary, and pubic hair, deepening of the voice, and an increase in muscular development, which can contribute to body odor. Similarly, estrogen in females contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics and may also play a role in changes in body odor.