Chapter 27: Puberty, hormonal control, and climacteric Flashcards
What is the definition of puberty?
in boys it is the period from the onset of pituitary gonadotropin secretion (usually around age 10-12) until the first ejaculation of viable sperm (typically around age 14()
What is the definition of adolescence
the broader period of time including puberty and extending until a person attains full adult height.
What are the two androgens that cause many bodily changes during adolescence?
testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
What is the first visual sign of puberty? and what do androgens do during adolescence?
the enlargement of the testes and scrotum at around age 13. The penis continues to grow for about 2 more years after the testes attain their mature size. Ducts and accessory glands also enlarge
Androgens stimulate the growth of sex organs
How does testosterone stimulate sperm production?
if testosterone secretion ceases, the sperm count and semen volume declined rapidly and a male becomes sterile
What does testosterone do in terms of generalized body growth?
the limb bones elongate rapidly, a boy grows taller, and he develops more muscle mass. The larynx enlarges, which makes the voice deeper and thyroid cartilage more prominent on the front of the neck.
What is libido?
ones sex drive. Testosterone stimulates the brains and awakens the libido. With increasing libido and sensitivity to stimulation, erections occur frequently and ejaculation often occurs during sleep (wet dreams)
What does dihydrotestosterone (DHT) do?
stimulates development of the pubic hair, axillary hair, later facial hair. The skin becomes darker and thicker and secretes more sebum which often leads to acne. The apocrine scent glands of the perineal, axillar, and beard areas develop in conjunction with the hair in those regions.
