The testes (sing. "testis") are male-only
endocrine glands located in the scrotum.
Endocrine glands differ from "exocrine" glands
in that exocrine glands have ducts (so may be referred to as "ducted")
whereas endocrine glands do not have ducts (and so may be referred to
as "ductless").
The main functions of the testes are the production
of spermatoza and the secretion of male hormones.
"Spermatoza" is the plural form of the noun "spermatozoon", or (in more
common non-clinical use) "sperm". Spermatoza develop in
long convoluted "seminiferous tubules" of the testes that also contain
sertoli cells which nourish the developing spermatoza.
The testes secret androgen hormones, which include testosterone
and androsterone.
For a digram indicating the locations within the body of each of the
endocrine glands, visit:
Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage, reflexology,
beauty therapies, and other basic-level medical or clinical courses.
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