Final answer:
Testosterone production, initiated by Leydig cells in the male testes, is crucial for the differentiation of male sexual organs in embryos and for the development of primary and secondary male characteristics during puberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
When explaining the process of testosterone production to a mother who has given birth to a male infant, the nurse would include several important aspects. Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily by Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells, which reside between the seminiferous tubules in the testes. In male embryos, testosterone secretion begins by the seventh week of development and peaks during the second trimester which is essential for the anatomical differentiation of the male sexual organs. During puberty the pituitary gland signals the testes to increase testosterone production significantly, leading to characteristic physical changes in males including the growth of facial and body hair, muscle development, and the initiation of spermatogenesis - the production of sperm.
Testosterone also plays a vital role in bone growth, developing secondary sex characteristics, and maintaining libido (sex drive). In summary, testosterone is crucial for the development of male reproductive organs and functions from embryonic stages through adulthood, with concentrations being low during childhood and increasing during puberty.