Which hormone is responsible for controlling the production of testosterone in males?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a crucial role in the regulation of testosterone production in males. It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to synthesize and release testosterone. This process is integral to male reproductive health, influencing not only the development of male secondary sexual characteristics but also spermatogenesis and libido.

Understanding the function of LH is essential because it acts as a key signal in the male endocrine system, working alongside other hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). While FSH is involved in the development of sperm, it is LH that specifically drives the production of testosterone. The other hormones listed do not directly regulate testosterone production; for instance, corticotropin relates to stress responses and the adrenal glands, while meninges refer to protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which are not involved in hormone production.