Biological Transitions in Puberty

The process of how hormones shape the brain before birth, influencing behavior later in life.

The default state of the human brain before eight weeks of development is considered feminine. Testosterone exposure during this period masculinizes the brain.

Higher testosterone levels in males during prenatal development lead to a more 'masculine' brain structure compared to females.

Certain behavioral patterns, like aggression, can be influenced by prenatal brain organization, even if they don't appear until later in life.

The sex difference in brain organization due to prenatal hormones can lead to various behavioral patterns observed later in life, such as aggression, that are not determined by puberty.

A class of sex hormones secreted by the gonads, found in both sexes, but in higher levels among males than females following puberty.

The neurophysiological pathway that creates a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the gonads.

The HPG axis is set to maintain certain levels of androgens and estrogens, controlling their production and release.

The process of the brain changing the hormonal set point during puberty, triggered by genetic and environmental signals.

The release of hormones by the adrenal glands just before puberty, contributing to growth and development.

A class of sex hormones secreted by the gonads, primarily associated with male characteristics, found in both sexes, but in higher levels among males.

A class of sex hormones secreted by the gonads, primarily associated with female characteristics, found in both sexes, but in higher levels among females.

During adolescence, males produce more androgens than estrogens, while females produce more estrogens than androgens.

The period of physical changes that lead to sexual maturity.

The system of glands that produce hormones.

The period of rapid growth and development during adolescence.

The development of physical characteristics that distinguish males and females.

The time frame and the speed of puberty.

The physical changes of adolescence are called puberty.

The social and psychological impact of puberty can be significant as adolescents navigate new identities and relationships.

The period during adolescence when girls experience rapid physical growth, leading to a temporary imbalance in proportions. This can make them appear awkward or clumsy due to uneven growth rates.

A feeling of dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance, a common experience among adolescent girls.

The increase in both muscle and fat that occurs alongside the growth spurt during adolescence.

The stage of development during which significant differences in muscle growth and fat distribution appear between boys and girls.

Increased muscle tissue development occurs faster in boys than in girls during puberty, contributing to the differences in body composition.

The idea that comparing oneself to friends, rather than solely media imagery, plays a significant role in body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls.

The way that media images can influence conversations among adolescent girls, leading to a reinforcement of body image concerns.

Adolescent girls who are more weight-conscious tend to associate with peers who share similar worries, often reinforcing each other's concerns.

The average age at which puberty begins has been steadily decreasing.

The study of how the environment affects gene expression.

A hormone that plays a role in regulating energy balance and metabolism, and may be linked to earlier puberty onset.

The body's master clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is affected by artificial light, potentially contributing to earlier puberty.

Chemicals that mimic natural hormones and can affect development, potentially contributing to earlier puberty onset.

A study that compares two or more groups of people at a single point in time.

The tendency to seek out thrilling and novel experiences, which may be increased by pubertal hormones.

The ability to control impulses, plan for the future, and make thoughtful decisions, which is often affected by pubertal hormones.

During this stage, the penis and scrotum start to grow, signifying the beginning of puberty. The skin around the scrotum also changes color and texture.

The penis continues to develop, becoming longer and wider. The glans, the tip of the penis, also starts to form.

The penis reaches its full size and breadth, and the scrotum continues to enlarge. This stage signifies the completion of most physical changes associated with puberty.

In this stage, pubic hair starts to grow, although it's sparse and light-colored. The hair is typically straight or only slightly curled.

The pubic hair becomes darker, thicker, and more curled. It spreads to cover the pubic symphysis, the area above the pubic bone.

The pubic hair reaches its full adult character, covering a significant area around the pubic bone. However, the area of coverage is typically smaller compared to most adults.

In the beginning stages of female puberty, the genitalia, including the labia and clitoris, increase slightly in size, though the overall appearance may not be significantly different.

This stage primarily focuses on the gradual growth of pubic hair, starting from just a few hairs and becoming progressively thicker and darker.