Puberty

Question 1

What is puberty?

Answer 1

• the process of physical and physiological changes catalysed by the release of gonadotropins

Question 2

What does puberty lead to?

Answer 2

• the development of secondary sex characteristics
• an immature individual (child) becoming capable of reproduction

Question 3

What affects the age at which puberty begins?

Answer 3

• genetic factors

Question 4

When does puberty typically occur?

Answer 4

• in girls: between 11 and 14
• in boys: between 14 and 16

Question 5

How does climate affect puberty?

Answer 5

• puberty can start earlier in warmer climates
• puberty can start one or two years later in colder climates

Question 6

What is adolescence?

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

How does puberty start?

Answer 7

• the pituitary gland, under stimulation from the hypothalamus, releases gonadotropins which initiate puberty

Question 8

What are gonadotropins?

Answer 8

• hormones that stimulate the gonads

Question 9

What is the gonadotropin in males?

Answer 9

• interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH)

Question 10

What does interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) do?

Answer 10

• stimulates the testis to secrete testosterone

Question 11

What is the gonadotropin in females?

Answer 11

• follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Question 12

What does follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) do?

Answer 12

• stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen

Question 13

What does the release of testosterone and oestrogen do?

Answer 13

• initiate changes to the gonads and to other parts of the body

Question 14

What are the results of changes to the gonads called and why?

Answer 14

• these result in primary sexual characteristics
• as they influence the process of reproduction

Question 15

What are the other physical changes aside from the changes to the gonads called and why?

Answer 15

• secondary sexual characteristics
• as they have nothing to do with the actual reproductive process