PSYCH 250 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Sex Organ, Garry Bushell, Psych
Document Summary
Puberty (from latin pubertas meaning adult. ) refers to the period of lifespan in which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty a universal of adolescence is not universal in its timing, tempo & psychosocial impact. Changes body composition ( fat and muscle distribution) Puberty is a gradual process that begins at conception & is well under way by 8 or 9. Puberty begins with a biochemical signal from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland to the adrenal glands (hpa axis) & gonads (hpg axis). The gonads increase production of sex hormones estrogens & androgens. Conflict, moodiness & sexual urges do increase especially in early puberty when process is first turned on. Impact of hormones is often indirect & dependent upon the psychosocial context. The interaction between hormones & cultural/emotional context may play a role. Adolescent growth spurt is a sudden & rapid period of physical growth during puberty.
