Session 3 : Reproduction

Question 1

What are the normal ranges of age of puberty onset in males and females?

Answer 1

Females 9-13
Males 9- 14

Males tend to be later than females

Question 2

What is the growth spurt?

Answer 2

Up until the age of onset of puberty growth is linear, during the growth spurt the level of growth will accelerate to cause an accelerated growth rate.
9cm/ yr in girls
10cm/yr in boys

Question 3

What is the tanner staging mechanism ?

Answer 3

This is used to assess what stage in puberty the patient is in.
There are five stages which refer to different physical stages.

In females this mainly looks at the development of breasts and pubic hair.
In males this looks at the increase in testicular size, lengthening of penis and pubic hair.

Question 4

What body weight is important for the onset of the growth spurt and onset of menarche in females?

Answer 4

Menarche - 47kg

Onset of growth spurt - 30kg