Physiology of Puberty

Question 1

What is adrenarche ..?

Answer 1

Adrenocortical androgens also have a role in sexual maturation. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) begin to increase at approximately 6-8 yr of age, before any increase in LH or sex hormones and before the earliest physical changes of puberty are apparent

Question 2

In females, the———- is usually the first sign of puberty (10-11 yr), followed by the appearance of——— 6-12 mo later.

Answer 2

breast bud (thelarche)

pubic hair (pubarche)

Question 3

The interval to the onset of menstrual activity (menarche) is usually how many years after puberchy,,?.

Answer 3

2-2.5 yr but may be as long as 6 yr

Question 4

Peak height velocity occurs in girls at what stage and age

Answer 4

Peak height velocity occurs early (at breast stage II–III, typically between 11 and 12 yr of age) in females and always precedes menarche

Question 5

In males, ———-are the first signs of puberty (11-12 yr).

Answer 5

Growth of the testes (≥4 mL in volume or 2.5 cm in longest diameter) and thinning of the scrotum

Question 6

At what stage of tanner growth spurts in male ..?

Answer 6

In males, unlike in females, acceleration of growth begins after puberty is well underway and is maximal at genital stage IV-V (typically between 13 and 14 yr of age). In males, the growth spurt occurs approximately 2 yr later than in females, and growth may continue beyond 18 yr of age.