What are the testicles?
The paired testes (testicles) are a part of the internal male sexual organs and the production sites of the sperm filaments (spermatozoa). They have an elongated shape and an average diameter of three centimeters. They are laterally flattened, about four centimeters long, and weigh 25 to 30 grams. At the top of each testicle is the head of the epididymis, and at the back is the body of the epididymis.
Testicle size varies from male to male and is also smallest during puberty. In adulthood, the testis increases in size, reaching a maximum at about age 40, and then shrinks again somewhat after age 50. Testicular size is not related to body weight.
Testis: Structure
The testicles are internally divided into 250 to 300 small lobules by many connective tissue bars and septa. These lobules (lobuli testis) house highly tortuous, fine tubes, the seminiferous tubules, which open into a reticular tubular system (rete testis).
The seminiferous tubules are surrounded by loose connective tissue in which the so-called intermediate cells (Leydig cells) are located.
What is the function of the testes?
In addition, the testes produce the male sex hormone testosterone, in the Leydig cells. Testosterone is responsible for the formation of the secondary sexual characteristics of the male, such as the low pitch of the voice, beard growth, hair on the head, armpits and pubic area. Muscle distribution and bone structure are also influenced by testosterone.
Where are the testicles located?
The testicles are located in the scrotum – a pocket of skin between the legs, penis and perineal region. This takes the testicles out of the body cavity, which is important for the temperature-sensitive sperm: In the scrotum, the temperature is about two to two and a half degrees lower than in the abdominal cavity (ideally, it is a constant 34 to 35 degrees Celsius).
What problems can the testicles cause?
In the course of embryonic development, the testicles develop in the abdominal cavity of the unborn child and then migrate via the inguinal canal into the scrotum before birth. If this descent of the testes fails to occur, the result is undescended testis (maldescensus testis, abdominal testis, inguinal testis).
Inflammation of the testis (orchitis) is usually caused by viruses and bacteria. As a rule, the epididymis is also inflamed at the same time (epididymitis). The combined clinical picture is called epididymoorchitis.
Testicular torsion is when the testicle in the scrotum twists around its longitudinal axis at the spermatic cord. This is extremely painful and must be treated immediately (within six hours) to prevent the testicular tissue from dying due to lack of blood supply.
Testicular carcinoma (testicular cancer) occurs mainly in men under 40 years of age. It can be treated well.
