Secondary sexual characteristics

What is Secondary sexual characteristics

The physical changes that distinguish the genders from each other. Secondary sexual characteristics emerge with PUBERTY and establish sexual and reproductive maturity: males produce viable SPERM capable of causing PREGNANCY, and females produce ripened OVA (eggs) capable of fertilization that results in pregnancy.

FEMALE SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS
growth of pubic and axillary (underarm) HAIR
thickened and coarse or dark leg hair
enlarged breasts and broadened hips
MALE SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS
growth of pubic, axillary, chest and facial hair
thickened, darkened, and coarse arm and leg hair
broadened shoulders and chest
increased MUSCLE mass and definition
deepened voice and prominent Adam’s apple in the THROAT
enlarged TESTICLES, enlarged and elongated PENIS

See also CONCEPTION; CONTRACEPTION; FERTILITY; MENSTRUAL CYCLE; MENSTRUATION; PREGNANCY.

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The Reproductive System

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