Anabolic steroids promote growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics in ________.

A. Males only

B. Females only

C. Both males and females

D. Children only

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/anabolic-steroid-abuse/what-are-anabolic-steroids

The answer was C

Thanks!

The answer is A. Males only.

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and the growth of skeletal muscle.

When anabolic steroids are introduced into the body, they bind to androgen receptors, which are located in various tissues including skeletal muscle cells. This binding activates certain cellular signaling pathways that result in increased protein synthesis and a reduction in protein breakdown. As a result, the use of anabolic steroids promotes the growth of skeletal muscle.

In addition to muscle growth, anabolic steroids also influence the development of male sexual characteristics, such as deepening of the voice, increased facial and body hair growth, and enlargement of the male sex organs. These effects are due to the androgenic properties of anabolic steroids, which stimulate the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics.

It is important to note that while anabolic steroids predominantly affect males, they can have some effects on females as well. However, the magnitude of these effects may vary in females depending on factors such as dosage, duration of use, and individual response. Therefore, the growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics are primarily observed in males who use anabolic steroids.