Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Microscopic Anatomy of Bones - Bone Cells

Anatomy & Physiology

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Microscopic Anatomy of Bones - Bone Cells

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3:44 minutes

Problem 29

Textbook Question

Frank does not enter puberty until he is 16. What effect would you predict this will have on his stature?
(a) Frank will probably be taller than if he had started puberty earlier.
(b) Frank will probably be shorter than if he had started puberty earlier.
(c) Frank will probably be a dwarf.
(d) Frank will have bones that are heavier than normal.
e) The late onset of puberty will have no effect on Frank's stature.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of puberty in growth: During puberty, the body experiences a surge in growth hormone and sex hormones (like testosterone and estrogen), which stimulate the growth plates in long bones to lengthen, leading to an increase in height.

Recognize the timing of growth plate closure: Growth plates remain open during childhood and adolescence, allowing bones to lengthen. Puberty triggers the eventual closure of these growth plates, which stops further growth in height.

Analyze the effect of delayed puberty: If puberty is delayed, the growth plates remain open for a longer period, allowing for continued bone lengthening. This means that Frank may grow taller than if he had started puberty earlier.

Eliminate incorrect options: (b) is incorrect because delayed puberty does not shorten stature; (c) is incorrect because dwarfism is a genetic or pathological condition unrelated to puberty timing; (d) is incorrect because delayed puberty does not directly affect bone density; (e) is incorrect because delayed puberty does affect stature by prolonging growth.

Conclude the correct answer: Based on the physiological effects of delayed puberty on growth plates, the correct prediction is (a) Frank will probably be taller than if he had started puberty earlier.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Puberty and Growth

Puberty is a developmental stage marked by physical changes, including growth spurts due to hormonal changes. Typically, the onset of puberty triggers increased production of growth hormones, which contribute to height increase. Delayed puberty can affect the timing and duration of these growth spurts, potentially influencing final adult stature.

Growth Plates and Bone Development

Growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. During puberty, these plates close as a result of hormonal changes, signaling the end of height growth. If puberty is delayed, growth plates may remain open longer, allowing for a potentially greater increase in height before closure.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

Height is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as nutrition and health during childhood. While genetics set a potential range for height, environmental factors can either enhance or inhibit growth. Understanding these influences is crucial when predicting the effects of late puberty on stature.

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