What is the primary effect of testosterone in males during puberty?

The primary effect of testosterone in males during puberty is the development of male primary and secondary sexual characteristics. During this stage, testosterone plays a crucial role in various physiological changes that define male maturation.

Primary sexual characteristics refer to the organs directly involved in reproduction, such as the enlargement of the testes and penis. Secondary sexual characteristics include features that emerge during puberty, such as increased body and facial hair, deepening of the voice, and changes in fat distribution. These changes are essential for the differentiation of male physical traits and reproductive capability.

In summary, testosterone is vital for driving the physical changes characteristic of male development during puberty, establishing both reproductive anatomy and secondary sexual features that define male physicality.