What are androgenic anabolic steroids primarily known to promote?

Androgenic anabolic steroids are primarily recognized for their ability to promote cell growth and tissue division, particularly in muscle and bone tissues. This characteristic is key to their popularity among athletes and bodybuilders, as these steroids enhance protein synthesis, which leads to increased muscle mass and strength.

By facilitating the process of muscle hypertrophy and repair, these substances play a significant role in improving physical performance and recovery times. The anabolic effects help in the development of lean body mass and can also contribute to overall improvements in athletic performance, which is why they are often misused in competitive sports.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the primary effects of anabolic steroids. For instance, a decrease in muscle strength contradicts the well-established anabolic properties these steroids are known to possess. Similarly, an increase in liver fat storage or a reduction in red blood cell count are not direct actions of anabolic steroids and do not align with their primary functions in muscle growth and repair.