What Are the Target Organs for Testosterone?

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By G. keith Evans
eHow Contributing Writer

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Testosterone affects muscles.

Although many people associate testosterone with male reproduction, both males and females produce some amount of this hormone. In addition to reproduction, testosterone also targets a number of organs that regulate strength, circulation and even mood.

Male Organs

Although both females and males produce some amount of testosterone, the hormone exerts a marked effect on male reproductive organs. The prostate specifically receives a great deal of instruction from testosterone hormones.

Bones

One of the body's strongest components, bone is directly targeted by testosterone. In a 1999 article published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that decreased testosterone levels coincided with decreased bone density.

Muscles

In addition to bones, testosterone also targets muscles. According to a 1989 article in the Journal of Applied Physiology, testosterone increases muscle protein synthesis to ultimately increase muscle mass.

Central Nervous System

Although some physiologists may not consider the central nervous system a proper organ, testosterone demonstrates a marked effect on both libido and mood by interaction with portions of the system that regulate these behaviors.

Cardiovascular System

According to research conducted at the University of Ottawa, a very small percentage of testosterone circulates throughout the cardiovascular system without being absorbed by any specific organ.