The physical growth and the changes of puberty mark the onset of adolescence (Lerner &

Steinberg, 2009). For both boys and girls, these changes include a growth spurt in height,
growth of pubic and underarm hair, and skin changes (e.g., pimples). Hormones drive these
pubescent changes, particularly the increase in testosterone for boys and estrogen for girls.8

Physical Changes in Adolescence

Adolescence begins with the onset of puberty, a developmental period in which hormonal
changes cause rapid physical alterations in the body, culminating in sexual maturity. Although
the timing varies to some degree across cultures, the average age range for reaching puberty is
between 9 and 14 years for girls and between 10 and 17 years for boys (Marshall & Tanner,
1986). This period of physical development of the adolescent age 9-13 is divided into two
phases.9

Figure 13.6 - Puberty brings dramatic changes in the body, including the development of primary and secondary
sex characteristics.10

The first phase of puberty begins when the pituitary gland begins to stimulate the production of
the male sex hormone testosterone in boys and the female sex hormones estrogen and
progesterone in girls. The release of these sex hormones triggers the development of the
primary sex characteristics, the sex organs concerned with reproduction. It also involves
height increases from 20 to 25 percent. Puberty is second to the prenatal period in terms of

8
Adolescent Development by Jennifer Lansford is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
9
Adolescence: Developing Independence and Identity by Charles Stangor is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
10
Image by the Open University of Hong Kong is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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rapid growth as the long bones stretch to their final, adult size. Girls grow 2–8 inches (5–20
centimeters) taller, while boys grow 4–12 inches (10–30 centimeters) taller.

Secondary sexual characteristics are visible physical changes not directly linked to reproduction
but signal sexual maturity. The growth spurt for girls usually occurs earlier than that for boys,
with some boys continuing to grow into their 20s. For males this includes broader shoulders, an
enlarged Adam’s apple, and a lower voice as the larynx grows. Boys typically begin to grow
facial hair between ages 14 and 16, which becomes coarser and darker, and hair growth occurs
in the pubic area, under the arms, and on the face.

For females the enlargement of breasts is usually the first sign of puberty and, on average,
occurs between ages 10 and 12 (Marshall & Tanner, 1986). Girl’s hips broaden and pubic and
underarm hair develops and becomes darker and coarser. Both boys and girls experience a
rapid growth spurt during this stage. Males and females may begin shaving during this time
period as well as showing signs of acne on their faces and bodies.

Figure 13.7 – Males often start shaving during puberty.11

Acne is an unpleasant consequence of the hormonal changes in puberty. Acne is defined as

pimples on the skin due to overactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands (Dolgin, 2011). These
glands develop at a greater speed than the skin ducts that discharge the oil. Consequently, the
ducts can become blocked with dead skin and acne will develop. According to the University of
California at Los Angeles Medical Center (2000), approximately 85% of adolescents develop
acne, and boys develop acne more than girls because of greater levels of testosterone in their
systems (Dolgin, 2011). Hormones that are also responsible for sexual development can also
wreak havoc on the teenage skin.12

A major milestone in puberty for girls is menarche, the first menstrual period, typically
experienced at around 12 or 13 years of age (Anderson, Dannal, & Must, 2003). The age of

11
Image by Antiporda Productions is licensed under CC BY 2.0
12
Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective by Martha Lally and Suzanne Valentine-French is licensed
under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

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menarche varies substantially and is determined by genetics, as well as by diet and lifestyle,
since a certain amount of body fat is needed to attain menarche. Girls who are very slim, who
engage in strenuous athletic activities, or who are malnourished may begin to menstruate later.
Even after menstruation begins, girls whose level of body fat drops below the critical level may
stop having their periods. The sequence of events for puberty is more predictable than the age
at which they occur. Some girls may begin to grow pubic hair at age 10 but not attain menarche
until age 15.13

Male Anatomy
Males have both internal and external genitalia that are responsible for procreation and sexual
intercourse. Males produce their sperm on a cycle, and unlike the female's ovulation cycle, the
male sperm production cycle is constantly producing millions of sperm daily. The male sex
organs are the penis and the testicles, the latter of which produce semen and sperm. The
semen and sperm, as a result of sexual intercourse, can fertilize an ovum in the female's body;
the fertilized ovum (zygote) develops into a fetus, which is later born as a child.

Male Reproductive System

Figure 13.914

Female Anatomy
Female external genitalia is collectively known as the vulva, which includes the mons veneris,
labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening. Female internal
reproductive organs consist of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The uterus hosts
the developing fetus, produces vaginal and uterine secretions, and passes the male's sperm
through to the fallopian tubes while the ovaries release the eggs. A female is born with all her
eggs already produced. The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the
uterus is attached to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes. Females have a monthly reproductive
cycle; at certain intervals the ovaries release an egg, which passes through the fallopian tube
into the uterus. If, in this transit, it meets with sperm, the sperm might penetrate and merge

13
Beginning Psychology - Growing and Developing by Charles Stangor is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
14
Image is in the public domain

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with the egg, fertilizing it. If not fertilized, the egg and the tissue that was lining the uterus is
flushed out of the system through menstruation (around every 28 days).

Female Reproductive System

Figure 13.1015

Effects of Puberty on Development

The age of puberty is getting younger for children throughout the world. A century ago the
average age of a girl’s first period in the United States and Europe was 16, while today it is
around 13. Because there is no clear marker of puberty for boys, it is harder to determine if
boys are maturing earlier, too. In addition to better nutrition, less positive reasons associated
with early puberty for girls include increased stress, obesity, and endocrine disrupting.

Because rates of physical development vary so widely among teenagers, puberty can be a
source of pride or embarrassment. Girls and boys who develop more slowly than their peers
may feel self-conscious about their lack of physical development; some research has found that
negative feelings are particularly a problem for late maturing boys, who are at a higher risk for
depression and conflict with parents (Graber et al., 1997) and more likely to be bullied (Pollack
& Shuster, 2000). Additionally, problems are more likely to occur when the child is among the
first in his or her peer group to develop. Because the preadolescent time is one of not wanting
to appear different, early developing children stand out among their peer group and gravitate
toward those who are older (Weir, 2016).

Early maturing boys tend to be physically stronger, taller, and more athletic than their later
maturing peers; this can contribute to differences in popularity among peers, which can in turn
influence the teenager’s confidence. Some studies show that boys who mature earlier tend to
be more popular and independent but are also at a greater risk for substance abuse and early
sexual activity (Flannery, Rowe, & Gulley, 1993; Kaltiala-Heino, Rimpela, Rissanen, & Rantanen,
2001).

15
Image by BruceBlaus is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

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Early maturing girls may face increased teasing and sexual harassment related to their
developing bodies, which can contribute to self-consciousness and place them at a higher risk
for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders (Ge, Conger, & Elder, 2001;
Graber, Lewinsohn, Seeley, & Brooks-Gunn, 1997; Striegel-Moore & Cachelin, 1999).16

The Brain and Sex

The brain is the structure that translates the nerve impulses from the skin into pleasurable
sensations. It controls nerves and muscles used during sexual behavior. The brain regulates the
release of hormones, which are believed to be the physiological origin of sexual desire. The
cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain that allows for thinking and reasoning, is
believed to be the origin of sexual thoughts and fantasies. Beneath the cortex is the limbic
system, which consists of the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, and septal area. These
structures are where emotions and feelings are believed to originate, and are important for
sexual behavior.

The hypothalamus is the most important part of the brain for sexual functioning. This is the
small area at the base of the brain consisting of several groups of nerve-cell bodies that
receives input from the limbic system. Studies with lab animals have shown that destruction of
certain areas of the hypothalamus causes complete elimination of sexual behavior. One of the
reasons for the importance of the hypothalamus is that it controls the pituitary gland, which
secretes hormones that control the other glands of the body.

Figure 13.11 - Hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland.17

Hormones
Several important sexual hormones are secreted by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin, also known as
the hormone of love, is released during sexual intercourse when an orgasm is achieved.
Oxytocin is also released in females when they give birth or are breast-feeding; it is believed

16
Adolescence Physical Growth by Boundless.com is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; Lifespan Development: A
Psychological Perspective by Martha Lally and Suzanne Valentine-French is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
17
Image is in the public domain

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