Puberty

Question 1

what is puberty?

Answer 1

series of biological developments that transforms individuals from a state of physical immaturity into one in which they are biologically mature and capable of sexual reproduction

Question 2

Growth Spurt

Answer 2

rapid change in height and weight that signals the onset of puberty

Question 3

characteristics of a growth spurt

Answer 3

• last 2-3 years
• asynchronous growth pattern
  45% of skeletal growth takes place and 37% of bone mass is accumulated
• boys grow up to 9’’ and girls up to 7’’
• 98% of adult height reached by the end

Question 4

Primary Sex Characteristics - Women

Answer 4

• estrogen 8x higher
• stimulates ovaries to release ova into the fallopian tubes
• menstruation occurs if no conception
• menarche: the first menstrual period (18 months after growth spurt)

Question 5

Primary Sex Characteristics - Males

Answer 5

• testosterone levels are 18x higher
• stimulates testes to produce sperm cells and the prostate to produce semen
• spermarche: the first ejaculation (often occurs spontaneously during sleep)

Question 6

Secondary Sex Characteristic - Women

Answer 6

pubic/underarm hair
more body fat
widening of hips
breast growth

Question 7

Secondary Sex Characteristic - Males

Answer 7

pubic/underarm/facial hair
increased muscle mass
broader shoulders
deepening of voice

Question 8

secondary sex characteristics

Answer 8

easily observed reproductive (puberty) maturity

Question 9

Tanner Stages

Answer 9

based on nurse examination or self-report based on example pictures

Question 10

Puberty Rituals

Answer 10

mark the departure from childhood and entrance into adolescence

Question 11

Precocious Puberty

Answer 11

serious condition that involves the activation of the HPG axis before 8 in girls and 9 in boys
- 5-10x more common for girls

Question 12

Influences on puberty

Answer 12

nutrition and sleep