Anatomy of the testicles | Testicular Inflammation

Anatomy of the testicles

The testicles are located on both sides in close proximity to the limb in the so-called scrotum, or scrotum. The epididymis, in which the sperm mature, is located on top of the scrotum. The testicles have two important tasks for the male body: On the one hand they produce sperm, and on the other hand testosterone, a hormone also known as “masculinity hormone”.

Testosterone is responsible for male muscle growth, hairiness, libido and potency. One testicle weighs about 15-20 grams and is about 20 ml in size. It is very sensitive to pressure and pain, which is why in many sports it is protected separately by a testicle shield.It is surrounded by a multitude of skin and connective tissue layers and is also very well supplied with blood.

Since sperm are not able to survive above a temperature of 35 degrees, the temperature level in the testicles must always be kept below the actual body temperature of 37 degrees. The testes use various mechanisms to achieve this. On the one hand, it can relax the muscles in the scrotum, so that it slides further away from the body together with the testicles, and is less strongly warmed by the body. On the other hand, due to the strong blood circulation, a warming or cooling of the testicle is possible, just like with a heater.

All articles in this series:

  1. Testicular Inflammation
  2. Symptoms of testicular inflammation
  3. How contagious is testicular inflammation?
  4. Therapy
  5. Duration of testicular inflammation
  6. What are the long-term consequences of testicular inflammation?
  7. Can one become infertile due to testicular inflammation?
  8. Anatomy of the testicles