Abstract
A mixed longitudinal study of growth and development has been conducted, centering on an analysis of differences based on sex between the ages of 8 and 18 years for a series of 12 anthropometric indicators. The sample consisted of 50 girls and 63 boys.
Proceeding from the specific differences, the variables can be divided into four groups with identical structures of differences. The first group comprises measurements of body height, body mass, shoulder width and pelvic span, all of which have higher values in boys between 8 and 10 and between 14 and 18. Between the ages of 11 and 13 girls are taller, heavier, with broader shoulders and pelvises. The second group covers measurements of subcutaneous fat. which are higher for girls throughout the period under review. The third group of indicators comprises the diameters of the joints of the extremities, i.e. of elbows and knees. Throughout the period under observation, these measurements are higher in boys, with the absolute differences between the sexes being the same at the age of 8 and ten years later. The fourth group consists of circumferences measurements of the extremities. It was found that calf circumferences manifested a specific inversion of the curves between 14 and 15, with girls showing a larger calf circumference up to the age of 14, and boys from the age of 15. The effect of earlier onset of puberty in girls was found to be reflected only on the inversion of the curve flow of the variables from the first group.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hauspie R.C., Das R.S., Mreece M.A., & Tanner J.M., 1980.A longitudinal study of the growth in hight of boys and girls of West Bengal (India) aged six month to 20 years. Annals of Human Biology. 5: 429–441.
Johnston F.E., 1982.Relationship Between Body Composition and Anthropometry. Hum. Biol. 2: 221–245.
Medved R., 1987.Sportska medicina. 2nd ed; Zagreb: Jumena, p. 872.
Nelson J.K. & Nelson K.R., 1986.Skinfold Profiles of Black and White Boys and Girls Ages 11. 13. Hum. Biol. 3: 379–390.
Tanner J.M., 1968.Human Growth ad Constitution. In: Human Biology. ed. Harrison, G.A., Weiner, J.S., Tanner, J.M., Barnicot, N.A., Oxford, University Press, p. 299–401.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Medved, R., Mišigoj-Duraković, M. & Medved, V. Sexual dimorphism in growth from 8 to 18 years. Int. J. Anthropol. 8, 1–9 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02447636
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02447636