Final answer:
Puberty is the process of becoming sexually mature, marked by the release of hormones that trigger the growth of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. The onset and pace of puberty vary widely, typically occurring earlier in females than males. It includes a growth spurt and the development of characteristics like breasts in females and facial hair in males.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puberty is a pivotal period in human development during which a child transitions into sexual maturity. The process is initiated by the hypothalamus releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones in turn prompt the gonads to produce sex hormones, leading to the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. The maturation of the primary sex organs is essential for reproduction, involving the testes in males and the ovaries in females. Secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development and facial hair, are physical signs of sexual maturity that do not directly involve the reproductive organs. Adolescents experience a growth spurt and begin to exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size, composition, and shape. It's important to understand that the timing of puberty varies greatly among individuals, influenced by biological sex, genetic, and environmental factors. In general, females tend to begin puberty earlier than males, with an age range of about 10 to 16 years for girls and 12 to 18 years for boys in the United States. During this time, females typically experience menarche, the onset of menstrual periods, while males undergo spermarche, the first ejaculation.