Adolescence

Options

A. Starts at puberty and ends with cessation of growth
B. Strats at the end of puberty and ends at the beginning of adulthood
C. Is synonym with puberty
D. Post puberty period when exteranl sex characters appear

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Adolescence**:
- Adolescence is a developmental stage that occurs in both boys and girls. It marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and is characterized by various physical, emotional, and social changes.

2. **Identifying the Age Range**:
- For boys, adolescence typically starts between the ages of 10 to 12 years.
- For girls, it begins earlier, around the ages of 8 to 10 years.

3. **Recognizing Key Changes**:
- During adolescence, significant bodily changes occur, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This is the time when individuals become capable of reproduction.

4. **Differentiating Between Terms**:
- The terms "adolescence" and "puberty" are often used interchangeably. However, puberty specifically refers to the biological changes that lead to sexual maturity, while adolescence encompasses the broader psychological and social changes as well.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Option A states that adolescence starts at puberty and ends with the cessation of growth. This is not entirely accurate as adolescence begins before puberty.
- Option B suggests it starts at the end of puberty, which is incorrect since adolescence begins earlier.
- Option C defines adolescence as synonymous with puberty and the post-puberty period when external sex characteristics appear, which aligns with the understanding of adolescence.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the definitions and characteristics discussed, Option C is the correct answer as it accurately describes adolescence.

### Final Answer:
**Option C: Synonymous with puberty and the post-puberty period when external sex characteristics appear.**

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