Which hormone is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics?

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Progesterone
• C. Testosterone
• D. LH

Answer: (C)

Testosterone is the primary hormone driving the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics. It is produced by the testes and acts on many tissues to promote facial and body hair, a deeper voice, increased muscle mass and bone density, and the maturation of the reproductive tract. During puberty, rising testosterone levels trigger these changes, with some effects amplified in certain tissues by conversion to dihydrotestosterone. While LH stimulates the production of testosterone, the actual characteristics arise from testosterone’s action, not LH itself. Estrogen is present in males in smaller amounts and contributes in other ways, and progesterone is not the main driver of male secondary traits.

Testosterone is the primary hormone driving the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics. It is produced by the testes and acts on many tissues to promote facial and body hair, a deeper voice, increased muscle mass and bone density, and the maturation of the reproductive tract. During puberty, rising testosterone levels trigger these changes, with some effects amplified in certain tissues by conversion to dihydrotestosterone. While LH stimulates the production of testosterone, the actual characteristics arise from testosterone’s action, not LH itself. Estrogen is present in males in smaller amounts and contributes in other ways, and progesterone is not the main driver of male secondary traits.