The Physiology of the Reproductive System
It is commonly known that human beings are sexual throughout life. Sexuality is not only a core component of a person's personality, but also of their mental and spiritual life as well. While there are some problems that occur with human sexuality, it is important and adds value to each individual's life.
Puberty is a period of rapid growth and change in both males and females, and this is where physical maturity and the capacity for human reproduction begins. During the changes of puberty, the hypothalamus which is a gland located at the base of the brain produces hormones. Hormones are the chemicals that increase functional activity and secretions. This process of puberty will take place over many years of an individual's life.
These hormones are what affect the gonads, otherwise known as the reproductive glands called testicles in males or ovaries in females. In the male reproductive glands testosterone is produced, but in females estrogen and progesterone is produced.
Male puberty will generally occur between the ages of 13-15. It is characterized by the secretion of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone stimulates the production of sperm and it may increase height, weight, the growth of the testes and penis, pubic and facial hair, and voice deepening.
In female puberty the ages of 9-13 are affected, ovulation and menstruation begin and they involve cyclic hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone. Other things that change during female puberty are growth of pubic hair, the enlargement of breasts, vaginal and uterine growth, the widening of hips, and height and weight gain.
Puberty is a period of rapid growth and change in both males and females, and this is where physical maturity and the capacity for human reproduction begins. During the changes of puberty, the hypothalamus which is a gland located at the base of the brain produces hormones. Hormones are the chemicals that increase functional activity and secretions. This process of puberty will take place over many years of an individual's life.
These hormones are what affect the gonads, otherwise known as the reproductive glands called testicles in males or ovaries in females. In the male reproductive glands testosterone is produced, but in females estrogen and progesterone is produced.
Male puberty will generally occur between the ages of 13-15. It is characterized by the secretion of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone stimulates the production of sperm and it may increase height, weight, the growth of the testes and penis, pubic and facial hair, and voice deepening.
In female puberty the ages of 9-13 are affected, ovulation and menstruation begin and they involve cyclic hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone. Other things that change during female puberty are growth of pubic hair, the enlargement of breasts, vaginal and uterine growth, the widening of hips, and height and weight gain.