Which hormone plays a crucial role in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics?

Testosterone is the hormone that is essential for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. During puberty, increased levels of testosterone lead to various physical changes in males such as the deepening of the voice, the growth of facial and body hair, and an increase in muscle mass. It also influences the distribution of fat and the development of the reproductive system.

The role of testosterone in male sexual development is a critical biological process, as it not only contributes to physical changes but also affects behaviors typically associated with male sexuality. Understanding this hormone's function is crucial when studying human physiology and endocrinology in the context of sexual development.

The other hormones mentioned play distinct roles in the body; for instance, insulin is primarily involved in glucose metabolism, adrenaline is related to the body’s fight or flight response, and corticosteroids are involved in a variety of functions including stress response and immune regulation, but they do not have a direct role in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics like testosterone does.