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Revision as of 15:19, 21 August 2003 view sourceClattuc (talk | contribs)62 editsmNo edit summary← Previous edit Revision as of 07:46, 28 August 2003 view source Harris7 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,597 editsm add some links; clarify two functions. Also, is there a reason some writers "detach" their colons? Like this : Should I leave them detached?Next edit →
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are paired bodies that are contained within a pouch termed the ]. are paired bodies that are contained within a pouch termed the ].


Like the ] to which they are ], testicles have two distinct functions : Like the ] to which they are ], testicles are members of both the reproductive system (being ]s), and the ] (being ]s). The respective functions of the testicles are:
* to produce the ] (spermatozoa) * producing ] (spermatozoa)
* and being also an ] to produce male sex ]s - mainly ] * producing male sex ]s - mainly ]


Under a tough fibrous shell - the ''tunica albuginea'' the testis contains very fine coiled tubes called the ''seminiferous tubules''. The tubes are lined with a layer of cells that from puberty until old-age produce sperm cells. The seminiferous tubules lead to the epididymis, where newly created sperm cells mature, and then into ''vas deferens'' (also called the ]) that opens into the ]. During sexual intercourse, the sperm cells move through the ] and into the prostatic urethra, where the ], through muscular contractions, ejaculates the sperm, mixed with other fluids, out through the ]. Under a tough fibrous shell, the ''tunica albuginea'', the testis contains very fine coiled tubes called the ''seminiferous tubules''. The tubes are lined with a layer of cells that from ] until old-age produce sperm cells. The seminiferous tubules lead to the epididymis, where newly created sperm cells mature, and then into ''vas deferens'' (also called the ]) that opens into the ]. During ], the sperm cells move through the ] and into the prostatic urethra, where the ], through muscular contractions, ejaculates the sperm, mixed with other fluids, out through the ].


Between the seminiferous tubules are special cells called ] Between the seminiferous tubules are special cells called ]
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formed. 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 testicles are well-known to be very sensitive to impact and injury. This has been a rich source of ] for jokes and comedic routines.


The most important diseases of testicles are : The most important diseases of testicles are:
* inflammation of the testicles, called ] * inflammation of the testicles, called ]
* ] and other neoplasms * ] and other neoplasms
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Both components of the testicle, sperm-forming and endocrine, are under control of gonadotropic hormones - ] ('''LH''') and ] ('''FSH'''), that are produced by the anterior ]. Both components of the testicle, sperm-forming and endocrine, are under control of gonadotropic hormones - ] ('''LH''') and ] ('''FSH'''), that are produced by the anterior ].


See also : See also:
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] (vasectomy)

Revision as of 07:46, 28 August 2003

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 sex organs), and the endocrine system (being endocrine glands). The respective functions of the testicles are:

Under a tough fibrous shell, the tunica albuginea, the testis contains very fine coiled tubes called the seminiferous tubules. The tubes are lined with a layer of cells that from puberty until old-age produce sperm cells. The seminiferous tubules lead to the epididymis, where newly created sperm cells mature, and then into vas deferens (also called the ductus deferens) that opens into the urethra. During sexual intercourse, the sperm cells move through the ejaculatory duct and into the prostatic urethra, where the prostate, through muscular contractions, ejaculates the sperm, mixed with other fluids, out through the penis.

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:

If a testicle is medically removed (orchidectomy) or destroyed through disease or injury, testicular prostheses are available to mimic the appearance and feel of the missing testicle.

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: