1. Puberty The stage in life when males and females undergo physical and physiological changes to reach sexual maturity Before puberty the reproductive organs are present, but not fully developed and functional

2. PUBERTY: MALE Introduction: The testes begin development near the kidney. The descent of the testes begins in weeks 6 to 10; by week 28 the testes enter the scrotum. In the scrotum the testes are kept at a temperature of ± 35° C. About 2° C cooler than in the pelvic cavity. Puberty is controlled by a complex system of endocrine hormones e.g. testosterone, FSH and LH. The curriculum focuses on the functions of testosterone

3. Puberty: male Different hormones (LH and FSH) secreted by the pituitary gland, stimulate interstitial cells of the testes to secrete testosterone High levels of testosterone in the seminiferous tubules has the following effects Primary sex characteristics Enlargement of the testes, scrotum and penis – first sign of puberty Stimulates spermatogenesis Enlargement of the ducts and accessory glands Stimulates erections/libido (sex drive) Infancy Erections begin Ages 11-14 Secondary sex characteristics appear (muscle development, voice to become deeper, hair on face, armpits, chest and around sex organs) Ages 13-16 Sperm produced in adult amounts (primary sexual characteristics)

4. Puberty: male (cont.) High levels of testosterone has the following effects Secondary sex characteristics The growth of body hair, particularly on the face, chest, public region, underarm and legs Development of muscles Larynx enlarges, vocal folds thicken, lowering/deepening the pitch of the voice Shoulders broaden and the waist narrows Increase the rate of cellular metabolisms and red blood cells Infancy Erections begin Ages 11-14 Secondary sex characteristics appear (muscle development, voice to become deeper, hair on face, armpits, chest and around sex organs) Ages 13-16 Sperm produced in adult amounts (primary sexual characteristics)

5. TIME LINE: Infancy Erections begin, enlargement of testes, scrotum and penis Ages 11-14 Secondary sex characteristics appear Ages 13-16 Sperm produced in adult amounts (puberty) Late teens Peak sexual urges for boys Throughout life If good health is present, there is the sex urge and ability to father children