Sexual Development
Puberty: the physical changes that occur in adolescence that make an individual capable of sexual reproduction
Primary sex characteristics: changes that occur in the organs necessary for reproduction
Menarche: A girl's first menstrual period
Spermarche: the beginning of production of viable sperm
Secondary sex characteristics: characteristics that are associated with gender but do not directly involve the sex organs
Puberty: the physical changes that occur in adolescence that make an individual capable of sexual reproduction
Primary sex characteristics: changes that occur in the organs necessary for reproduction
Menarche: A girl's first menstrual period
Spermarche: the beginning of production of viable sperm
Secondary sex characteristics: characteristics that are associated with gender but do not directly involve the sex organs
Although the sequence of events that occur during puberty is fixed, the timing is variable. There are many different factors that contribute to the timing of puberty, including health and diet, body type, heredity, and ethnic background. Because the physical changes of puberty have such a profound effect on how the young person is seen by others, undergoing these changes relatively earlier - or considerably later can have a significant impact on development.