View source for Puberty Overview - Anatomy & Physiology

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|linkpage =Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology
|linktext =Reproductive System 
|maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology
|pagetype =Anatomy
|sublink1=Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology#Puberty
|subtext1=PUBERTY
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Puberty is the process of aquiring reproductive capability. The onset of puberty depends on the ability of specific [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic]] neurons to produce GnRH in sufficient quantities to both promote and support gametogenesis. In the female, [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic]] GnRH neurons must develop the ability to respond to positive oestradiol feedback in order to produce sufficient GnRH to cause [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]].
Develepment of [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic]] neurons is influenced by:
** Development of a threshold body size.
** Exposure to environmental and social cues.
** Genetics

== Average Ages of Puberty in the Male and Female of Various Species ==

{| style="width:75%; height:200px" border="1"

!'''Species'''
!'''Alpaca'''
!'''Bovine'''
!'''Camel'''
!'''Canine'''
!'''Equine'''
!'''Feline'''
!'''Llama'''
!'''Ovine'''
!'''Porcine'''
|- 
| '''Male'''
| 2-3 Years
| 11 Months (7-18)
| 3-5 Years
| 9 Months (5-12) 
| 14 Months (10-24)
| 9 Months (8-10)
| 2-3 Years
| 7 Months (6-9)
| 7 Months (5-8)
|- 
| '''Female'''
| 1 Year
| 11 Months (9-24)
| 3 Years
| 12 Months (6-24) 
| 18 Months (12-19)
| 8 Months (4-12)
| 6-12 Months
| 7 Months (4-14)
| 6 Months (5-7)
|-
|}