AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone produced by the testes…
Full specification wording
Hormones in human reproduction: Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone produced by the testes and it stimulates sperm production.
Testosterone is the principal male reproductive hormone.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 10
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Testosterone is the principal male reproductive hormone. It is produced by the testes and plays a vital role in male fertility by stimulating sperm production. During puberty, testosterone also controls the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as a deepening voice and the growth of facial and pubic hair. The hormone is secreted into the bloodstream by the testes and travels to target organs throughout the body.
What earns the marks
- Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone.
- Testosterone travels in the blood plasma to reach target organs.
- Its primary function is to stimulate sperm production.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying testosterone is produced by the sperm themselves.
Put it right: Sperm are the male gametes, while testosterone is a hormone secreted by the testes.
Confusing testosterone with oestrogen.
Put it right: Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone, whereas oestrogen is the main female reproductive hormone.
Claiming testosterone only affects the testes.
Put it right: It is carried in the blood to various target organs to trigger secondary sexual characteristics.
Exam tips
- Clearly state that the testes produce testosterone; do not just refer to 'male reproductive organs'.
- Link testosterone directly to the stimulation of sperm production when asked about its role in human reproduction.
Try the lesson
The start of the Hormones in human reproduction: Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone produced by the testes and it stimulates sperm production. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which organ produces testosterone in the male reproductive system?
Listen
Testosterone is the principal male reproductive hormone. It is produced by the testes and plays a vital role in male fertility by stimulating sperm production. During puberty, testosterone also controls the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as a deepening voice and the growth of facial and pubic hair. The hormone is secreted into the bloodstream by the testes and travels to target organs throughout the body. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone. Testosterone travels in the blood plasma to reach target organs. Its primary function is to stimulate sperm production. A common slip: Saying testosterone is produced by the sperm themselves. Instead, sperm are the male gametes, while testosterone is a hormone secreted by the testes. Exam tip: Clearly state that the testes produce testosterone; do not just refer to 'male reproductive organs'.
See it
Key words
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Testosterone
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Testes
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Sperm production
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Secondary sexual characteristics
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See every definition
- Testosterone
- The main male reproductive hormone, produced by the testes, which stimulates sperm production.
- Testes
- The gland responsible for producing testosterone, secreting it into the bloodstream.
- Sperm production
- The process stimulated by testosterone as its primary function.
- Secondary sexual characteristics
- Features developed during puberty that testosterone also controls.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
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