Secondary Sex Characteristics

Secondary sexual characteristics determine changes,which occur in the structure and functions of various organs. They characterize the sex of a person. Do not confuse them with the primary sexual characteristics that identify the sexual organs.

Secondary sexual characteristics are directly dependent onprimary. They begin to appear during the maturation period, when the level of sex hormones increases. These signs include: development of mammary glands, features of the hairline, body proportions, musculoskeletal system, subcutaneous fat, difference in behavior and much more.

Signs of puberty in girls appearapproximately in 10-11 years. Under the action of hormones, body mass and growth are rapidly increasing. The extremities grow faster than the body itself. The shape of the pelvis and the entire skeleton as a whole changes. Fat is deposited in the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, due to which the body shape is rounded. The skin becomes tender and fine. There is growth and development of mammary glands and protrusion of the sucking mug. Later, the breast glands will increase. They accumulate fatty tissue, which contributes to the formation of a mature mammary gland. The hair on the head grows stronger. They appear in the armpits and pubic area. The latter occurs much earlier for girls than for boys. For women, hair distribution in the form of a triangle with a clear border above the pubis is characteristic.

At this time, sweat glands begin to activelywork and highlight a characteristic female smell. Sebaceous glands begin to work, as a result of which most teenagers have some problems with the skin in the form of juvenile acne and acne.

After two or three years from the moment of manifestationdescribed above, girls start menstruating. It is considered the main sign of puberty. Menstruation indicates that the girl is able to become pregnant. At this age it is necessary to talk as often as possible with the child and explain all the changes that occur with the body. It is very important to correctly tell about the sexual life and all the dangers associated with it.

Sexual signs, actively developing at this age, do not indicate the maturity of the body. The onset of pregnancy severely harms health and affects the ability to have children in the future.

The general maturity of the female body comesa few years later. Usually it is 17-18 years. By this time, secondary sexual characteristics are already well developed, and the reproductive system functions at full strength. Only now we can say that the girl's body is ready for motherhood.

The boys develop a little later. Secondary sexual characteristics are characterized by intensive growth of the body, penis and testicles, as well as an increase in body weight. Due to the fact that the shape of the larynx changes, the voice coarsens and becomes lower. In the armpits, on the pubis and face appear hair. Some young men have swelling of the mammary glands and a high sensitivity of the nipples. By the age of 15 they have a sexual arousal and can be polluted.

In young men the seminiferous tubules are filledspermatogonia. Since the moment when the sex glands will be able to produce mature spermatozoa, we can talk about the entry of a young man at the time of puberty. Development of secondary sexual characteristics in men occurs up to 23-25 ​​years. As a rule, to this age the appearance of a man is already fully formed. He is able to lead a normal sex life and bring up offspring.

An important role in the lives of boys and girls is played bysex education. Parents should explain the rules of behavior in an easy and accessible manner. Do not let children know about the relationship of men and women from TV screens or from friends. Such knowledge can bring considerable harm to very young people.