Chapter 36, Problem 34A

Summary Introduction

To compare:

Puberty in males and puberty in females.

Introduction:

Puberty is the period of physical development by which the body of an infant matures into an adult that can reproduce sexually. The hormones from the brain to the gonads activate and the ovaries of a female, the boy's testes also becomes for reproducing sexually.

Explanation of Solution

Physical changes in puberty of a boy typically begin with testicular expansion and pubic hair growth, accompanied by growth from 10 to 16 years of age average that is 1 to 2 years later than when girls begin. He also grows quicker in his legs, hands, and feet than other parts of his body.

On the other hand, the physical changes in females during puberty include maturation of the breasts, ovaries, uterus, and vagina that arise along with a significant level of sex hormones (mainly estrogen). Normally, during adolescence, these changes occur consecutively, resulting in maturity sexually.