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puberty
Sequence of events by which a child becomes an adult. It is characterized by:
1) the beginning of gametogenesis
2) secretion of gonadal hormones
3) development of secondary sexual characteristics
4) development of reproductive function
In girls, the 1st sign of puberty may be evident by age 8 with the process largely completed by age 16.
In boys, puberty commonly begins at 10-12 & is largely completed by age 18.
Specific
precocious puberty
General
growth phase
References
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
- DermNet NZ. Skin changes at puberty.
http://www.dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/puberty.html