Question

John and Radha were classmates since childhood. When Radha
became eleven years old, she developed a little swelling on her
neck. She visited the doctor who started medication for her. After
a few years, John also developed a slight protrusion on his throat.
He got worried and went to the doctor. But, the doctor assured
him that it was a normal feature in boys while they are growing
up. Can you think of any reasons for the difference in diagnoses?


NCERT Class VIII
Science - Exemplar Problems

Chapter 10. Reaching the Age of Adolescence

Answer 1

The doctor suggested to john that it was normal with him, because at reaching puberty, boys tend to have adam's apple in their neck. This isn't the case with the girls, Radha might be having any disease like goitre or any other disease which infected her throat. 
The adam's apple is a result of the hormones released by our glands

Answer 2

THE REASON FOR DIFFERENCE IN DIAGNOSES IS PUBERTY. BOYS DEVELOP ADAM'S APPLE IN THEIR NECK DURING PUBERTY WHICH IS JUST LIKE A SMALL SWELLING ON THE NECK. GIRLS DO NOT GENERALLY HAVE ADAM APPLE. RADHA MIGHT BE HAVING LACK OF IODINE WHICH HAS RESULTED IN THE SWELLING OF THE NECK CALLED GOITRE.