What are secondary sexual characteristics?

Secondary sexual characteristics are physical features that develop in males and females during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction.

These characteristics appear due to the action of hormones and help distinguish males from females physically.

In boys, secondary sexual characteristics include growth of facial and chest hair, deepening of the voice, broader shoulders, and increased muscle development.

In girls, they include development of breasts, widening of hips, and growth of hair in certain body regions.

These changes are a normal part of puberty and indicate the transition from childhood to adulthood.