Puberty Flashcards
Puberty
Ability to accomplish reproduction successfully. “Process” of acquiring reproductive competence.
Criteria/definitions for puberty in the female
Age at first ovulation (silent ovulation), age at first estrus, or age at which the female can support pregnancy without deleterious effects.
Which of the criteria/definitions for puberty in the female is most applicable practically?
Age at which the female can support pregnancy without deleterious effects
criteria/definitions for puberty in the male:
Age when behavioral traits are expressed
Age at first ejaculation
Age when sperm first appear in the ejaculate
Age when sperm appear in the urine
Age when the ejaculate contains a threshold number of sperm
What is the most valid criterion/definition for puberty in the male?
Age when the ejaculate contains a threshold number of sperm.
Average age of puberty in the female bovine:
11 months
Range of puberty age in the female bovine:
9-24 months
Average age of puberty in the male bovine:
11 months
Age range of puberty in the male bovine:
7-18 months
Average age of human male puberty:
13 years
Average age of human female puberty:
12 years
Is puberty sexual maturity?
No. Just because it can happen does not mean it should.
What is the fundamental requirement for the onset of puberty?
Secretion of GnRH at appropriate frequency and quantities to stimulate gonadotropin release form the AP
What does the secretion of GnRH at appropriate frequency and quantity, causing release of gonadotropins from the AP result in?
Promotion of gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and development of reproductive tissues.
What are hormone levels like prior to puberty?
Low frequency and amplitude of GnRH, low LH and FSH in both males and females