Puberty Flashcards
What is adrenarche and when does it occur?
- Activation of zona reticularis - increased adrenal androgen production.
- Before puberty (6-8 years)
What is thelarche and when does it occur?
- Breast development
2. 2-3 years before menarche
What is gonadarche and when does it occur?
- Increasing testicular volume
2. 12 years of age
What is pubarche and when does it occur?
- Appearance of pubic hair.
2. 6 months after thelarche (girls), 1-2 years after initial testicular enlargement (boys).
What is menarche and when does it occur?
- Onset of menstruation.
2. Just under 13 years
What is spermarche and when does it occur?
- Onset of sperm production.
2. 13-14 years.
What hormonal change causes enlargement of testes?
Pulses of pituitary gonadotrophins
What hormonal changes causes breast enlargement in girls and penis enlargement in boys?
Gonadal sex steroid production
What hormonal change causes pubic hair to form?
Adrenal androgen production
What are the Tanner stages in girls?
- Pre-pubertal
- Areola enlarges, breast buds, sparse pigmented hair along labia.
- Breast grows beyond areola, nipple elevates, hair becomes darker/coarser.
- Areola and papilla project above breast, secondary mound, adult type hair in small area.
- Adult breast contour, projection of papilla only, adult hair type and distribution.
What are the Tanner stages in boys?
- Pre-pubertal, testicular volume <2.5ml
- Sparse hair around penis base, testes and scrotum enlarge, scrotal skin thins and reddens.
- Darker/coarse/curly hair spreads laterally, further testes and penis growth.
- Adult type hair in small area, further penis growth, scrotal skin darkens.
- Adult hair type and distribution, and genitalia.
What is the definition of puberty?
Period of sexual maturation during which a child’s body undergoes physical changes to become an adult body with functional reproductive organs.
What is the normal age for puberty in boys and girls?
9-14 for boys, 8-13 for girls.
Which genders are precocious and delayed puberty more common in?
- Precocious - girls
2. Delayed - boys
What is the definition of delayed puberty?
Lack of any breast development by 13 in girls and testicular volume <4ml by 14 years in boys.