Testicle

The testicles, known medically as testes (singular testis), are the male generative glands in animals. Male mammals have two testicles, which are often contained within an extension of the abdomen called the scrotum.

Function

Like the ovaries (to which they are homologous), testicles are components of both the reproductive system (being gonads) and the endocrine system (being endocrine glands). The respective functions of the testicles are:

Related Topics:
Ovaries - Homologous - Reproductive system - Gonad - Endocrine system - Endocrine gland

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• producing sperm (spermatozoa)
• producing male sex hormones, of which testosterone is the best known

Both functions of the testicle, sperm-forming and endocrine, are under control of gonadotropic hormones produced by the anterior pituitary:

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• luteinizing hormone (LH)
• follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)