What are secondary sexual characteristics?

Secondary sexual characteristics refer to the physical features that emerge during puberty, distinguishing the sexes but not directly related to the reproductive organs. These characteristics include developments such as breast formation in females, deepening of the voice in males, and increased body hair in both sexes. These traits serve as indicators of sexual maturity and play a role in attraction and reproduction. Understanding secondary sexual characteristics is important in human growth and development, as they mark significant physical changes that impact both emotional and social facets of an individual’s life as they transition into adulthood.