Puberty Flashcards
1
Q
What is puberty?
A
- the process of physical and physiological changes catalysed by the release of gonadotropins
2
Q
What does puberty lead to?
A
- the development of secondary sex characteristics
- an immature individual (child) becoming capable of reproduction
3
Q
What affects the age at which puberty begins?
A
- genetic factors
4
Q
When does puberty typically occur?
A
- in girls: between 11 and 14
- in boys: between 14 and 16
5
Q
How does climate affect puberty?
A
- puberty can start earlier in warmer climates
- puberty can start one or two years later in colder climates
6
Q
What is adolescence?
A
- the period of physical, physiological and psychological change
- that extends from the start of puberty until the age of 17 to 20 in females and 18 to 21 in males
7
Q
How does puberty start?
A
- the pituitary gland, under stimulation from the hypothalamus, releases gonadotropins which initiate puberty
8
Q
What are gonadotropins?
A
- hormones that stimulate the gonads
9
Q
What is the gonadotropin in males?
A
- interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH)
10
Q
What does interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) do?
A
- stimulates the testis to secrete testosterone
11
Q
What is the gonadotropin in females?
A
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
12
Q
What does follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) do?
A
- stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen
13
Q
What does the release of testosterone and oestrogen do?
A
- initiate changes to the gonads and to other parts of the body
14
Q
What are the results of changes to the gonads called and why?
A
- these result in primary sexual characteristics
- as they influence the process of reproduction
15
Q
What are the other physical changes aside from the changes to the gonads called and why?
A
- secondary sexual characteristics
- as they have nothing to do with the actual reproductive process
