Briefly Describe about Development of Sexual Maturity in Children?
Sexual maturity develops along with growth spurt in adolescence. In girls, growth stops on attaining menarche (puberty). Research data shows that in recent past, girls have gradually shown menarche at a younger age than earlier times. This is partly attributed to better nutritional status. The other changes seen in sexual maturity of girls is development of breasts, axillary hair and pubic hair. Menarche occurs only after this growth.
In boys, changes in sexual maturity and growth go along together. The secondary sexual changes are deepening of the voice, broadening of shoulders, developing axillary, body and' pubic hair. There is growth in the size of penis and testicles occurring in the beginning of the growth spurt. There are distinct changes in hormonal milieu. The sex hormones determine thermo genesis, moods, and food intake and body composition. Finally, let us review the psycho-social changes that occur during the period of childhood and adolescence.