Testes

Balls are to men what purses are to women - Sarah Jessica Parker

Testes

image by: Baggy Trousers UK

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Evolution’s Worst Mistake? How About External Testicles?

From an evolutionary standpoint, after all, testicles are the most important thing about a man — without them, he wouldn’t exist at all. And there they are, just sitting out in the open. Exposed. Vulnerable. What kind of design is this?

Of course, there is an explanation. Human sperm cells develop better at a slightly lower temperature than the rest of our body seems to prefer. Humans aren’t alone in this respect: Most male mammals have testicles that migrate through the inguinal canal during gestation or infancy and eventually take up residence outside the abdominal cavity, suspended in a temperature-sensitive adjustable hammock. This allows the sperm cells to develop at the temperature…

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Resources

 Evolution’s Worst Mistake? How About External Testicles?

Why are testicles external? There’s an explanation (sperm like slightly lower temperatures), but it isn’t persuasive.

EndocrineWeb

In addition to their role in the male reproductive system, the testes also have the distinction of being an endocrine gland because they secrete testosterone—a hormone that is vital to the normal development of male physical characteristics.

You & Your Hormones

The testes lie outside of the body and are maintained at a temperature about two degrees Centigrade lower than the body’s core temperature. This is because sperm production and quality is optimal at this lower temperature. The testes have two functions - to produce sperm and to produce hormones, particularly testosterone.

MedicineNet

Though there are numerous medical conditions that can cause testicular pain, it is important to understand that a few of them constitute medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention in order to prevent the loss of testicular function.

The Health Impact of Undescended Testicles

In a large Australian study, researchers found that baby boys born with undescended testes had a higher risk of health problems like infertility and cancer, especially if corrective surgery was delayed.

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