Secondary sex characteristics

Definition

Secondary sex characteristics are physical traits that emerge during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction. They distinguish the sexes from each other but do not include the reproductive organs themselves.

Related terms

Puberty: The phase of life during which a person matures sexually and secondary sex characteristics develop.

Primary Sex Characteristics: Refers to the main reproductive organs (e.g., ovaries in females, testes in males) that are present at birth and play a direct role in human reproduction.

Hormones: Chemical messengers released by glands in the body that regulate the development of both primary and secondary sex characteristics during puberty