Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which hormone is primarily responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics?

1. Progesterone

2. Testosterone

3. Estrogen

4. Follicle-stimulating hormone

The correct answer is: Testosterone

Testosterone is primarily responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. During puberty, increased levels of testosterone lead to various physical changes in males, such as the growth of body hair, increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, and the development of a more pronounced Adam's apple. This hormone plays a crucial role in the maturation of the male reproductive system and contributes to behaviors associated with masculinity. In contrast, progesterone and estrogen are primarily female hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. Follicle-stimulating hormone plays a role in regulating reproductive processes but does not directly influence the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males. Thus, testosterone is the key hormone linked to the physical traits and changes that define male adolescence and adulthood.