Physiology of puberty

Question 1

What are some physiological changes in the testes during puberty

Answer 1

Production of gametes (sperms)
-Sertoli cells under FSH control

production of androgens (testosterone)
-Leydig cells under LH control

testosterone in blood
-converted to DHT in the target organs

Question 2

What is the chronological order of puberty for girls

Answer 2

Growth spurt, breast development, pubic hair, axillary hair, menarche

Question 3

What is the chronological order of puberty for boys

Answer 3

testicular volume, penile length, growth spurt, axillary/ facial hair and deep voice

Question 4

What is the age of precocious puberty for boys and girls

Answer 4

boys- under 9 years

girls- under 8 years

Question 5

What is the age of delayed puberty for boys and girls

Answer 5

over 14 years for both girls and boys

Question 6

What are the 2 types of precocious puberty and their causes

Answer 6

Central precocious puberty which is gonadotrophin dependant (due to HPG axis)

peripheral precocious puberty which is gonadotropin independent.

Question 7

What concerns are raised by precocious puberty

Answer 7

Possible underlying sinister cause
emotional and psycho-social upheaval at an inappropriately young age

early cessation of growth leading to decreased final adult height.

Question 8

What is premature thelarche and premature adrenarche

Answer 8

Isolated breast development, usually seen in children <2-3 years
isolated pubic hair development.

Question 9

what are the features of turners syndrom

Answer 9

Short-stature, no pubertal onset, recurrent ear infections, widely spaced nipples.