Detailed Summary
In this section, we focus on Secondary Sexual Characters, which are physical features that develop during puberty, distinguishing males from females. This is a critical developmental phase marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, where individuals become physiologically capable of reproduction.
Key Points Covered:
- Development of Sexual Characteristics:
- In girls, breast development begins at puberty, while in boys, facial hair and the Adam's apple become visible.
- The voice box (larynx) enlarges more noticeably in boys, leading to a deeper voice; a time of change often marked by a hoarse voice during the adjustment period.
- Hormonal Control:
- Hormones, particularly testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls, drive these changes, secreted by the testes and ovaries respectively.
- The endocrine system plays a crucial role, with various glands such as the pituitary gland controlling the secretion of these hormones.
- Increased Activity of Glands:
- Accompanying physical growth, the activity of sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands increases, resulting in common issues like acne during this period.
- Development of body hair occurs under the arms and in the pubic region for both genders, contributing to secondary sexual characteristics.
These transformations signal the onset of reproductive capability, fundamentally changing how adolescents perceive themselves and their identities.