Testicle

A testicle is one of the paired male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone, usually located in the scrotum.

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Spermatogenesis: The process by which germ cells develop into mature sperm cells. It is the sequence of cell divisions and maturation that produces sperm inside seminiferous tubules.
Epididymis: A coiled duct on the back of each testicle where sperm mature and are stored. Sperm leave the testicle and acquire motility while passing through this attached duct.
Male infertility: The inability of a male reproductive system to contribute to conception, often assessed through semen testing. Impaired sperm production or transport from the testicles can contribute to infertility.
Ovary: A paired reproductive gland that produces eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovaries are the gonads in the typical female reproductive system, with a different gamete and hormonal role.
Seminiferous tubule: A tightly coiled tube in the testicle where sperm develop. These tubules contain the cells and supporting environment where spermatogenesis occurs.
Spermatozoon: A mature male reproductive cell capable of fertilizing an egg. It is the cell produced through testicular development and released into the reproductive ducts.
Semen analysis: A laboratory examination measuring properties of semen, including sperm concentration, movement, and shape. It provides indirect evidence about sperm production and maturation in the reproductive tract.
Prostate: A gland below the bladder that adds fluid to semen and surrounds part of the urethra. Unlike testicles, the prostate contributes fluid rather than producing sperm or most testosterone.
Sertoli cell: A supporting cell in the seminiferous tubules that nourishes developing sperm and helps regulate their environment. Sertoli cells form the blood–testis barrier and support germ cells as they mature.
Blood–testis barrier: A barrier formed by tight junctions between Sertoli cells that separates developing sperm from blood circulation. It protects developing germ cells from immune exposure within the testicle.