Physiologic Function
puberty
pu·ber·ty [ pyoo-ber-tee ]
Subclass of:
Reproductive Physiological Phenomena;
Sexual Development
Etymology:
Latin pubertas = maturity or puberty
Definitions related to puberty:
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A period in the human life in which the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system takes place and reaches full maturity. The onset of synchronized endocrine events in puberty lead to the capacity for reproduction (FERTILITY), development of secondary SEX CHARACTERISTICS, and other changes seen in ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. It causes physical changes, and affects boys and girls differently. In girls: The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.; Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.; Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last. In boys: Puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger.; Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.; Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and facial hair develops as puberty continues. Both boys and girls may get acne. They also usually have a growth spurt (a rapid increase in height) that lasts for about 2 or 3 years. This brings them closer to their adult height, which they reach after puberty. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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The stage in life when sex glands become functional. It is characterized by the development of secondary sex characteristics, reproductive functions, and growth spurts.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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The time of life when a child experiences physical and hormonal changes that mark a transition into adulthood. The child develops secondary sexual characteristics and becomes able to have children. Secondary sexual characteristics include growth of pubic, armpit, and leg hair; breast enlargement; and increased hip width in girls. In boys, they include growth of pubic, face, chest and armpit hair; voice changes; penis and testicle growth, and increased shoulder width.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(human puberty) Developmental period during which secondary sex characteristics appear and individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Puberty, in human physiology, the stage or period of life when a child transforms into an adult normally capable of procreation. A brief treatment of puberty follows. Because of genetic, environmental, and other factors, the timing of puberty varies from person to person and...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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