Puberty is the process of change during which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty begins with the release of sex hormones. Hormones are chemicals that are produced by the body. Males and females have different sex hormones. The hormones cause a number of physical changes to take place. Puberty usually starts for girls between the ages of 10 or 12, although it can be earlier (even as young as 8) or later (14 or older). Boys usually start puberty a little later than girls, but changes can happen any time between the ages of 9 and 18.
Puberty is the process of change by which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction.
Fig. 4 Male and female sexual maturation.
Puberty in males When boys reach puberty the voice deepens, hair grows around the sex organs, face, chest and underarms, and muscle develops. The penis and testes grow larger and the testes begin to produce sperm cells.
Puberty in females When girls reach puberty, the breasts develop, hips widen and hair begins to grow around the sex organs and underarms. The menstrual cycle begins.
13.5 The menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a series of changes that takes place in the female reproductive system to allow for the possibility of pregnancy. The menstrual cycle takes about 28 days to complete. During the menstrual cycle the lining of the womb builds up and an egg is released from the ovaries. The lining builds up so that the womb is ready to receive the egg if it is fertilised. If the egg is not fertilised, then the lining of the uterus, the egg and some blood are released and pass out through the vagina. This is called menstruation (or a period).
