1. 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.

2. Puberty q Pubertal status q Pubertal timing q What is pubescence? q Neuro-physical activities that stimulate puberty

3. Pubertal systems  What’s going on in there? Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

4. The Major Endocrine Glands Involved in Pubertal Change

5. 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.

6. 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).

7. Puberty  Physical Changes  Boundaries and Determinants  Hormonal Changes Hormone Levels by Sex and Pubertal Stage for Testosterone

8. The 5 Pubertal Stages of Male and Female Sexual Development

9. 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.

10. Puberty  Physical Changes  Height and Weight  Sexual Maturation

11. Sequence of changes v Female Characteristics Growth of breasts (7-13 years) Growth of pubic hair (7-14 years) Body growth (9.5-14.5 years) Menarche (10-16.5 years) Underarm hair (1-2 years after pubic hair) Skin oil & sweat

12. Sequence of changes v Male Characteristics Growth of testes (10-13 years) Growth of pubic hair (10-15 years) Body growth (10.5--16 years) Growth of penis (11-14.5 years) Voice change (11-14.5 years) Facial and underarm hair (1-2 years after pubic hair)

13. Primary sex characteristics l FEMALE Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus Vagina l MALE Testes Penis Scrotum Seminal vesicles Prostate gland

14. 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

15. Pubertal Timing -Early maturers -On time maturers -Late maturers

16. Pubertal Timing Discussions with knowledgeable healthcare providers and parents can improve the coping abilities of the off- time adolescent