Testes
Testes
The Testes (pronunciation: /ˈtɛstiːz/), also known as testicles or gonads, are a pair of male reproductive organs that produce sperm and hormones. They are a key component of the male reproductive system.
Etymology
The term "testes" comes from the Latin word 'testis', meaning 'witness'. In ancient Rome, two men held their testicles as a sign of truthfulness while bearing witness in a public forum.
Function
The primary functions of the testes are to produce sperm (spermatogenesis) and to produce hormones, particularly testosterone, which is essential for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
Anatomy
The testes are located in the scrotum, a pouch of skin located directly behind the penis. Each testis is oval in shape and is about 4 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter. The testes are made up of a series of tiny tubes called seminiferous tubules, which are the sites of sperm production.
Related Terms
- Sperm: The male reproductive cell produced by the testes.
- Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone produced by the testes.
- Scrotum: The pouch of skin that houses the testes.
- Seminiferous tubules: The site of sperm production within the testes.
- Gonads: Another term for the testes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Testes
- Wikipedia's article - Testes
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