Adrenarche
Adrenarche
Adrenarche (pronounced: ad-ren-ar-kee) is a stage of human development marking the onset of adrenal gland maturation.
Etymology
The term "Adrenarche" is derived from the Greek words "adren" meaning adrenal gland and "arche" meaning beginning.
Definition
Adrenarche is a process that typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 8 in girls and 7 and 9 in boys, marking the beginning of puberty. It is characterized by the increased production of androgens by the adrenal glands, particularly the hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and its sulfate, DHEA-S.
Function
The primary function of adrenarche is to stimulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as pubic hair and body odor. It also plays a role in bone growth, skin changes, and the development of the reproductive system.
Related Terms
- Puberty: The process of physical changes through which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction.
- Androgens: A type of hormone that plays a role in male traits and reproductive activity.
- Adrenal glands: Small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can't live without, including sex hormones and cortisol.
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): A hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland.
- DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate): A hormone made by the adrenal cortex that is converted into androgens and estrogens.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenarche
- Wikipedia's article - Adrenarche
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski