BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Practice Test

Testosterone is specifically linked to muscle hypertrophy because it plays a crucial role in the development and growth of muscle tissue. This steroid hormone promotes protein synthesis, which is critical for muscle repair and growth following exercise. Additionally, testosterone increases the number of satellite cells, which are crucial for muscle regeneration and repair. Elevated testosterone levels can lead to enhanced strength and muscle mass, making it a key hormone in resistance training and bodybuilding contexts.

Insulin, while important for overall metabolic processes and influencing muscle protein synthesis, does not directly drive the hypertrophy process in the same manner as testosterone. Similarly, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) is primarily involved in water retention and regulation of blood pressure rather than muscle growth, and glucagon mainly works to raise blood glucose levels and is not directly involved in the mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy. Thus, testosterone stands out as the hormone specifically linked to the development and enlargement of muscle fibers.