What is puberty?

• A. Onset of adolescence period
• B. Growth in height only
• C. Sexual maturation
• D. Development of self-esteem

Answer: (C)

Puberty is the period when the body becomes capable of reproduction through sexual maturation. Hormonal changes drive the development and function of the reproductive organs (primary sex characteristics) and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics such as breast development, body and facial hair, and voice changes. It also includes the onset of reproductive capability, like menarche in girls and spermarche in boys. Growth in height can accompany puberty, but that growth is only one sign and does not define puberty itself. Development of self-esteem fits broader psychosocial changes of adolescence, not the biological maturation process. So the best description is the sexual maturation of the body.