Final answer:
Puberty is the stage of life when a child becomes sexually mature. During puberty, the reproductive organs mature and secondary sex characteristics develop.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puberty is the stage of life when a child becomes sexually mature. It is marked by the maturation of the reproductive organs and the development of secondary sex characteristics.
In boys, puberty typically begins around age 12 and ends around age 18. During this time, the pituitary gland signals the testes to secrete testosterone, which leads to the development of masculine traits. In girls, puberty usually starts around age 10 and finishes around age 16.
The pituitary gland signals the ovaries to secrete estrogen, resulting in the development of feminine traits.