The physical and psychological changes which take place when childhood ends and adolescence and sexual maturity begin and the sex glands become active.
The time when these changes take place.
The period of life when the individual undergoes a physical change from childhood to adulthood. The process is orchestrated by the sex hormones.
The series of physical changes that occur during the development of sexual maturity, usually starting in girls between ages 10 and 12 and in boys between ages 12 and 13. Puberty results from a series of hormonal changes. The brain begins to secrete a hormone called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) in periodic bursts; this triggers the pituitary gland to produce hormones called gonadotropins, which in turn stimulate the gonads (ovaries in girls and testes in boys) to make sex hormones, primarily estrogen for girls and testosterone for boys.
Time at which sexual maturity occurs and the reproductive function becomes possible. It is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development in girls and deepening voice in males, and by the start of menstruation in girls. The changes are brought about by pituitary gland-stimulated increases in sex hormones.
Development of genital maturity and of secondary sex characteristics, culminating in sexual maturity and ability to reproduce.
The period of life in which a child makes the physical transition into adulthood. Sexual characteristics develop and sexual organs mature, making reproduction possible. Puberty is triggered when the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain signal the body to begin producing sex hormones. In girls, the ovaries produce estrogen (the female sex hormone) and other hormones; in boys, the testicles produce testosterone (the male sex hormone) and other hormones.
The lime at which the onset of sexual maturity occurs and the reproductive organs become functional. This is manifested in both sexes by the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. deepening of the voice in boys; growth of breasts in girls) and in girls by the start of menstruation. These changes are brought about by an increase in sex hormone activity due to stimulation of the ovaries and testes by pituitary hormones.
The change that takes place when childhood passes into manhood or womanhood. This change is generally a very definite one, occurring at about the age of 12-14 years, although it is modified by race, climate, and bodily health so that it may appear a year or two earlier or several years later. At this time, the sexual functions attain their full development; the contour of the body changes from a childish to a more rounded womanly, or sturdy manly, form; and great changes take place in the mode of thought and feeling.
The stage in life at which members of both sexes become functionally capable of reproduction. A period of rapid change occurs between the ages of 13 and 15 in boys and 9 to 16 in girls, ending in the attainment of sexual maturity. There is evidence that the onset of puberty is related to a decrease in secretion of the pineal gland.
The period of human development during which people become able to produce children.
The period of sexual development during which males and females become sexually mature and able to produce children.
The epoch at which juveniles commence their biological maturation and attain the faculty to procreate as a fully-fledged adult.
The phase of life when the sexual organs of both boys and girls commence their journey towards maturity, marking the onset of reproductive capabilities, is commonly known as adolescence. This transformative period brings about significant changes in physiological development, heralding the remarkable capacity for procreation.
This is the phase when adult physical characteristics emerge, and reproductive organs mature, enabling the potential for reproduction.
Puberty generally takes place between 10 and 15 years of age. The process is triggered by the pituitary gland’s release of gonadotropin hormones, which stimulate the ovaries in girls to elevate estrogen hormone secretion and the testes in boys to augment testosterone secretion.
During puberty, a notable growth spurt accompanies the changes. Body weight might approximately double during this phase, mainly attributed to increased muscle development in boys and heightened fat in girls. Boys typically experience their growth spurt at a later stage.
Typically, the initial indication of puberty in girls is breast budding, which usually begins around the age of 11. In approximately one third of girls, pubic hair emerges first. While breast growth might occur unevenly, any dissimilarity usually evens out by the time full maturity is attained. Additional secondary sexual traits, like a broader pelvis, the female pattern of fat distribution, and the growth of pubic and underarm hair, gradually manifest during this phase.
The initial occurrence of the menstrual period typically takes place about a year or more after the commencement of puberty. Puberty is considered finalized when menstruation follows consistent and anticipated patterns. The onset age of menstruation has declined over the last century, likely due to overall improvements in nutrition and living conditions, and has now stabilized. Engaging in intense sports or physically demanding activities (such as ballet), as well as experiencing debilitating illnesses, can also postpone the initiation of menstrual periods.
For boys, the onset of puberty is marked by a rapid growth spurt in the testes and scrotum, followed by the emergence of pubic and facial hair. Around the age of 13, the penis starts to enlarge and typically reaches its adult size around two years later. Nevertheless, there’s a considerable range of individual differences, meaning that at the age of 14, some boys might have fully developed genitals while others still exhibit immature growth.
The release of the male sex hormone testosterone rises, triggering an escalation in sperm production and prompting the maturation of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. This process results in the establishment of the characteristic distribution of male hair on the face, chest, and abdomen. The larynx enlarges, and the vocal cords elongate and thicken, resulting in a lowering of the voice pitch.
The stage when the reproductive organs become active. In males, this is indicated by voice deepening, facial hair growth, and other transformations. In females, it’s marked by the onset of menstruation.
The period in a child’s life when they start physically maturing into an adult. This usually begins in the early teens and is marked by a significant surge in hormone production.