Which hormone is responsible for the development of sexual male characteristics?

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the development of sexual male characteristics. It plays a crucial role in the differentiation of male reproductive tissues, the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, body hair growth, and the deepening of the voice during puberty.

In males, testosterone is produced mainly in the testes and is essential for the overall development and maintenance of male sexual health. During fetal development, it contributes to the formation of male genitalia, and in adolescence, it drives the physical changes associated with puberty.

The other hormones listed are not primarily involved in the development of male sexual characteristics. Estrogen, while important for female characteristics, is also found in males but does not define male sexual traits. Cortisol is involved in the regulation of metabolism and the stress response but does not influence sexual differentiation. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) primarily regulates water balance in the body and is unrelated to sexual characteristics.