PSY 2114 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Sex Organ, Bulimia Nervosa, Limbic System

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 2114
• Professor: Heather Poole

Document Summary

Puberty is the time at the end of childhood between the rst onrush of growth hormones and full adult size. Puberty usually lasts 3-5 years, however many more years are required to achieve psychosocial maturity. Age of puberty has declined, typically starts between 8 and 14. Girls: nipple growth, pubic hairs, peak growth spurt, widening of the hips, menarche ( rst menstrual period), full pubic hair pattern, breast maturation. Average age of menarche for normal-weight girls is 12 years. Boys: growth of testes, initial pubic hair growth, growth of penis, spermarche ( rst ejaculation), facial hair, peak growth, deepening of voice, beard pattern. Puberty begins with a marked increase in hormones, which are body chemicals that regulate hunger, sleep, moods, stress, sexual desire, immunity, reproduction, and many other biological processes. This surge activates ova/sperm (peak fertility 4-6 years later), as well as interest in sex.