The testicles, known medically as testes (singular testis), are the male generative glands in animals. In mammals, the testicles are paired bodies that are contained within a pouch termed the scrotum.
Like the ovaries to which they are homologous, testicles are members of both the reproductive system (being gonads - see sex organs) and the endocrine system (being endocrine glands). The respective functions of the testicles are:
- producing sperm (spermatozoa)
- producing male sex hormones - mainly testosterone
Between the seminiferous tubules are special cells called interstitial cells (Leydig cells) where testosterone and other androgens are formed.
The testicles are well-known to be very sensitive to impact and injury. This has been a rich source of humor for jokes and comedic routines.
The most important diseases of testicles are:
- inflammation of the testicles, called orchitis
- testicular cancer and other neoplasms
- hydrocele
- inflammation of the epididymis, called epididymitis
- spermatic cord torsion also called testicular torsion
- varicocele
Both components of the testicle, sperm-forming and endocrine, are under control of gonadotropic hormones - lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), that are produced by the anterior pituitary.
See also:
- cryptorchismus
- infertility
- sterilization (vasectomy)