Testes

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Testes or testicles are the male reproductive glands in the body. They are responsible for the production of sperm and the male hormone, testosterone. The testes are located in the scrotum, a pouch of skin that hangs behind the penis.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The testes are oval-shaped and about the size of large olives. They are surrounded by a tough, protective membrane called the tunica albuginea. Inside the testes are coiled masses of tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubules are responsible for producing sperm cells.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the testes is to produce sperm and to produce hormones, particularly testosterone. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males and it is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics.

Conditions affecting the testes[edit | edit source]

There are several conditions that can affect the testes, including testicular cancer, testicular torsion, and orchitis.

Testicular cancer[edit | edit source]

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that starts in the testes. It is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35.

Testicular torsion[edit | edit source]

Testicular torsion is a serious condition caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which can cut off the blood supply to the testicle.

Orchitis[edit | edit source]

Orchitis is an inflammation of the testes. It can be caused by several types of bacteria and viruses.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Testes Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD