Puberty Overview - Anatomy & Physiology

Introduction

Puberty is the process of aquiring reproductive capability. The onset of puberty depends on the ability of specific hypothalamic neurons to produce GnRH in sufficient quantities to both promote and support gametogenesis. In the female, hypothalamic GnRH neurons must develop the ability to respond to positive oestradiol feedback in order to produce sufficient GnRH to cause ovulation. Develepment of 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

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)