KnowraGonadGonadA reproductive organ that produces gametes and sex hormones. The ovaries and testes are the primary gonads in humans.BriefConnectGametogenesis: The production of mature reproductive cells from precursor cells. Gonads generate gametes through this process: oogenesis in ovaries and spermatogenesis in testes.Germ cell: A reproductive cell lineage that gives rise to gametes. Germ cells are the cells within gonads that ultimately produce eggs or sperm.Ovary: A female reproductive organ that produces oocytes and hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. It is the gonad responsible for oocyte production and ovarian hormone secretion.Accessory gland: A gland that adds secretions to reproductive fluids but does not produce gametes. Accessory glands contribute to reproduction without being gonads.Oogenesis: The process by which female germ cells develop into ova. It is the gamete-producing pathway that occurs in ovaries.Somatic cell: Any body cell other than a germ cell. Most gonadal tissue consists of supporting and hormone-producing somatic cells, not gamete precursors.Testis: A male reproductive organ that produces sperm and hormones, chiefly testosterone. It is the gonad responsible for sperm production and testicular hormone secretion.Uterus: A muscular organ in which an embryo can implant and develop during pregnancy. The uterus supports gestation, whereas ovaries produce gametes and sex hormones.Spermatogenesis: The process by which male germ cells develop into sperm cells. It is the gamete-producing pathway that occurs in testes.Sertoli cell: A supporting cell in the testes that nourishes developing sperm and helps regulate spermatogenesis. These cells create the local environment required for sperm development.Show all 21Linked from 16 pagesEndocrine systemBroader topic: Gonads link endocrine regulation with fertility and sexual development.Steroid hormoneRelated: Gonads produce major reproductive steroid hormones.Sexual differentiationNarrower topic: Gonads are a major source of signals that guide later reproductive development.Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axisBroader topic: Ovaries and testes form the axis’s hormone-producing target organs.AndrogenRelated: Testes and ovaries are major sources of androgen production.Human reproductive systemNarrower topic: Ovaries and testes are the system’s primary reproductive organs.Reproductive systemBroader topic: Gonads are the primary sites of gamete production in animal reproductive systems.HermaphroditismRelated: Gonads are among the reproductive structures involved in biological sex.Show all 16