Abstract
Many of the physical, social and behavioural changes associated with adolescence are linked with puberty, the physiological process resulting in reproductive competence. Recent research has demonstrated that the human brain undergoes significant change during adolescence, but little is known about the role of puberty in this process. This review summarises findings from current human imaging studies regarding the relationship between both structural and functional brain development and pubertal maturation, and it explores how these occur in the context of changing chronological age and pubertal status. The findings across these structural and functional MRI studies are consistent with the hypothesis that pubertal hormones interact with the neuroanatomical and neurocognitive changes seen during puberty (Blakemore et al., Hum Brain Map 31:926–933, 2010; Sisk and Foster, Nat Neurosci 7:1040–1047, 2004) and that some aspects of brain development in adolescence might be more closely linked to the physical and hormonal changes of puberty than to chronological age.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
