The rapid increase in growth noted during puberty is a striking physical change. Before the onset of puberty, growth velocities and heights (Fig. 13.6) are similar for boys and girls. Girls start their growth spurt just before the first physical evidence of breast development ΓÇô on average two years before the male pubertal growth spurt. Thus, boys attain a greater height before beginning the pubertal growth spurt. In addition, boys achieve more growth during the pubertal growth spurt than do girls. The combination of these two factors leads to the differential heights between adult males and females.
See later:
ΓÇó Prediction of Stature
ΓÇó Changes in Body Proportion in Puberty
ΓÇó Hormones Involved in the Pubertal Growth Spurt
