Which organ produces the endocrine hormone testosterone and is involved in the development of male traits?

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Testes are the primary source of the endocrine hormone testosterone, which plays a key role in developing and maintaining male characteristics. In males, specialized cells in the testes called Leydig cells release testosterone in response to signals from the pituitary gland. This hormone promotes puberty changes such as facial and body hair growth, deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, and bone density, as well as supporting the production of sperm.

Other organs listed either do not produce testosterone in significant amounts or have different primary roles: ovaries mainly produce estrogen and progesterone, the pancreas makes digestive enzymes and insulin, and the pituitary releases many hormones but does not serve as the main source of testosterone. A small amount of testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands in both sexes, but the testes provide the majority of testosterone in males, making them the best answer.