Final answer:
The period described in the question is known as Puberty, which is characterized by rapid physical and hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturity and is distinct from adolescence, adulthood, and menopause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puberty is a period of rapid physical maturation involving hormonal and bodily changes that occur when children become sexually mature. This process includes the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, such as the maturation of the sex organs and the appearance of features like facial hair in males and breast development in females. During puberty, the body undergoes significant growth and changes, with an increase in height and the onset of menstruation in females and sperm production in males. The hypothalamus initiates these changes by releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn prompts the production of other hormones from the pituitary gland, ultimately leading to sexual maturation.
Adolescence is related but not identical to puberty; it represents the overall transition from childhood to adulthood, encompassing both the physical changes of puberty and significant cognitive, emotional, and social development.
With respect to the options provided, the correct choice is C. Puberty as it is the phase directly related to the description in the question. Whereas, adolescence is a broader term that includes puberty and other developmental aspects, menopause is a stage marking the end of a woman's reproductive period, and adulthood refers to the phase of maturity following adolescence.