Question

The first physical sign indicating the onset of male puberty is:

1) sparsely distributed fine, pale pubic hairs
2) testicular enlargement
3) spermarche
4) peak height velocity

Answer 1

The first sign of male puberty is testicular enlargement, which precedes changes such as the deepening of the voice and the development of body hair. Height velocity peaks later in puberty.

So, the correct answer is 2) testicular enlargement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The onset of male puberty is marked by a series of physiological changes. The first physical sign of puberty in boys is typically testicular enlargement. This initial change is followed by the growth and pigmentation of the scrotum. Secondary sexual characteristics, like the development of pubic hair, armpit hair, chest hair, and facial hair, emerge subsequently. The male growth spurt happens toward the end of puberty, where a boy's height can notably increase, sometimes by as much as 4 inches per year.

These changes are generally related to the increase in testosterone levels, which also triggers the larynx's growth, resulting in a deeper voice, commonly referred to as 'voice breaking'. Though the term spermarche is used to denote the first ejaculation, which signifies fertility, it is not the initial sign of puberty but happens later. Peak height velocity also occurs after the initial onset of puberty. Hence, the correct answer describing the first physical sign of male puberty is testicular enlargement.

So, the correct answer is 2) testicular enlargement.