 The transition period between childhood and adulthood. This period has gotten longer over the past century.

 Puberty The period of sexual maturation during which a person becomes capable of reproducing. Starts at approximately age 11 in females and age 13 in males Major growth spurt usually happens during this period.  Girls tend to have an earlier growth spurt  Boys’ growth spurt lasts longer and generally become taller than girls after age 14

 Primary Sex Characteristics The reproductive organs  ovaries in females  testes in males  external genitalia. Menarche – beginning of menstruation

 Secondary Sex Characteristics Non- reproductive sexual organs  Breast and hip development in females  Voice quality and facial hair in males

 Sexual Orientation One’s attraction toward people of a particular gender Usually heterosexual (attracted to people of the other gender) or homosexual (attracted to people of the same gender); small minority bisexual