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The
testicles (also called testes or gonads) are the male sex glands. They
are located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The
testicles produce sperm and testosterone. The testicles are located
outside the body because sperm develop best at a temperature several
degrees cooler than normal internal body temperature.
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The
germ cells inside the seminiferous tubules (sertoli cells) create
sperm. The sperm move into the epididymis where they mature. They are
stored there for a few weeks until they eventually move up the vas
deferens to combine with fluids from the prostate and seminal vesicles
to form what you normally think of as semen. The whole process takes
about 7 weeks.
The
leydig cells distributed throughout the testicle are the body's main
source of testosterone. Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is
essential to the development of the reproductive organs and other male
characteristics such as body and facial hair, low voice, and wide
shoulders. Without enough testosterone, a man will probably lose his
sex drive and suffer from fatigue, depression, hot flashes and
osteoporosis.
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Note
that when we talk about testicular cancer, we are normally talking
about cancer of the germ cells. It is possible to have cancer of the
leydig or sertoli cells, but these tumors are not as common and are
usually not malignant. Also, since testicular cancer is associated with
the germ cells, lumps or masses in the scrotum or on the epididymis,
but not on the testicle, cannot be testicular cancer.
For
more detailed information please visit the TCRC.
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