WAEC SSCE Biology
Study notes for Reproduction muscle contraction. — part of the WAEC SSCE Biology syllabus. 2 learning objectives with explanations and exam tips.
Secondary sexual characteristics are physical features that develop during puberty to distinguish males from females, but they don't directly involve the reproductive organs themselves. Think of them as nature's way of making boys look like men and girls look like women.
In males, you'll see the growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, development of broader shoulders, and increased muscle mass. Females develop breasts, wider hips, and body hair in specific areas. Both genders experience growth spurts. These changes happen because of hormones—testosterone in males and oestrogen in females—released during puberty, typically between ages 10-16.
A Nigerian example is when your classmate suddenly grows a beard or when girls in your class develop noticeably different body shapes. These aren't accidents; they're controlled by your endocrine system preparing your body for adulthood.
Prenatal care, also called antenatal care, means all the medical attention a pregnant woman receives before delivering her baby. This includes regular check-ups at hospitals or clinics where doctors examine the mother and monitor the baby's development. During these visits, the healthcare provider checks the mother's blood pressure, weight, and urine to ensure everything is progressing normally. The baby's heartbeat is also monitored using special equipment.
In Nigeria, many women visit antenatal clinics at Primary Health Centres or government hospitals where nurses and doctors provide guidance on proper nutrition, vaccinations, and lifestyle during pregnancy. Antenatal care helps detect problems early, like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, preventing complications during delivery. It also ensures the mother receives important vaccinations like tetanus toxoid to protect both herself and the baby from serious infections.