What anatomical features are influenced by sex hormones during maturation in both males and females?

The correct response highlights the significant role that sex hormones play in the maturation of specific anatomical features in both males and females. In males, testosterone is responsible for the descent of the testes, enabling them to develop properly within the scrotum, a key aspect of male reproductive anatomy. In females, estrogen prompts the development of mammary glands, which are essential for lactation and infant nourishment postpartum.

These hormonal influences are crucial during puberty, when the sexual characteristics become pronounced due to the action of sex hormones. The descent of testes and mammary gland development are directly associated with reproductive system maturation, making this option the most accurate reflection of anatomical changes driven by sex hormones in both sexes.

Other options do not directly tie to the influence of sex hormones during maturation: the development of respiratory structures is primarily influenced by other factors, muscle tissue formation, while influenced by hormones and physical activity, is not strictly sex hormone-dependent, and the development of neural pathways is more closely linked to environmental interactions and experiences rather than sex hormone influence alone.