Biological Foundations: Puberty How to cope with others’ responses; How to deal with sexual arousal; Puberty is the key developmental challenge in adolescence. The marker event for entry into adolescence.
Puberty q Pubertal status q Pubertal timing q What is pubescence? q Neuro-physical activities that stimulate puberty
Pubertal systems What’s going on in there? Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
The Major Endocrine Glands Involved in Pubertal Change
Hypothalamus l Monitors levels of androgens and estrogens. l LH-RF (lutenizing hormone- releasing factor) and FSH-RF (follical stimulating hormone- releasing factor) stimulate pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland The master gland, it: Regulates LH (lutenizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone); stimulates growth of the gonads (e.g., testes in males, ovaries in females).
Puberty Physical Changes Boundaries and Determinants Hormonal Changes Hormone Levels by Sex and Pubertal Stage for Testosterone
The 5 Pubertal Stages of Male and Female Sexual Development
Timing and onset of puberty l The average age of onset of puberty shows a secular trend over the past century towards earlier occurrence. l This is thought to be related to better nutrition and health care.
Puberty Physical Changes Height and Weight Sexual Maturation
Sequence of changes v Female Characteristics Growth of breasts (7-13 years) Growth of pubic hair (7-14 years) Body growth ( years) Menarche ( years) Underarm hair (1-2 years after pubic hair) Skin oil & sweat
Sequence of changes v Male Characteristics Growth of testes (10-13 years) Growth of pubic hair (10-15 years) Body growth ( years) Growth of penis ( years) Voice change ( years) Facial and underarm hair (1-2 years after pubic hair)
Primary sex characteristics l FEMALE Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus Vagina l MALE Testes Penis Scrotum Seminal vesicles Prostate gland
Secondary sex characteristics l FEMALES Breasts Pubic hair Axillary (underarm) hair Voice changes Skin changes Increased width and depth of pelvis l MALES Pubic hair Axillary hair Muscular development Facial hair Voice changes Skin changes Broadened shoulders
Pubertal Timing -Early maturers -On time maturers -Late maturers
Pubertal Timing Discussions with knowledgeable healthcare providers and parents can improve the coping abilities of the off- time adolescent