Function of the testes in the male reproductive system

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The male reproductive system contains the external genitals (the penis, testes and the scrotum) and internal parts, including the prostate gland, vas deferens and urethra. A man's fertility and sexual traits depend on the normal functioning of the male reproductive system, as well as hormones released from the brain.

Table of Contents Show

Organs and functions
What can go wrong?
What are the 3 functions of the testes?
What is the common function of testes?
What is the function of the testes in the male reproductive system quizlet?

Organs and functions

The male reproductive system is responsible for reproduction. It is made of the following parts:

Penis — the organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. It has spongy tissue which can fill with blood to cause an erection. It contains the urethra, which carries both urine and semen.
Scrotum — this is a loose bag of skin that hangs outside the body, behind the penis. It holds the testes in place.
Testes (or testicles) — these are a pair of egg-shaped glands that sit in the scrotum, on the outside of the body. They produce sperm and testosterone, which is the male sex hormone.
Epididymis — this is a highly coiled tube that lies at the back of the testes. All sperm from the testes must pass through the epididymis, where they mature and start to ‘swim’.
Vas deferens — this is a thick-walled tube joined to the epididymis. It carries sperm from the epididymis up to the prostate gland and urethra.
Prostate gland — this is a walnut-sized gland that sits in the middle of the pelvis. The urethra runs through the middle of it. It produces the fluid secretions that support and nourish the sperm.
Urethra — this is a tube that extends from the bladder to the external opening at the end of the penis. The urethra carries both urine and sperm.
Seminal vesicles — these are 2 small glands above the prostate gland that make up much of the fluid in semen.

Diagram showing the external and internal parts of the male reproductive system.

The brain also has an important role in reproductive function, as it controls the release of sex hormones.

What can go wrong?

As with any other part of the human body, things can sometimes go wrong with the male reproductive system, including:

infertility
difficulty urinating
prostate disease
impotence, which is the inability to get a satisfactory erection
loss of libido, or sex drive
hormone deficiency
testicular cancer

If you notice any symptoms or problems, it is important to see your doctor quickly. Early treatment can avoid serious long-term problems.

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Last reviewed: April 2021

The testicles are the male reproductive organ. These oval-shaped organs are located in the scrotum just below the penis. The testicles have two primary functions: The first is to produce sperm and the second is to produce and discharge hormones, primarily testosterone. These two functions make them an indispensable part of the male reproductive system.

The testicles are continuously making sperm. Male testicles can produce up to 200,000 sperm per minute and can make several million sperm per day. This may seem like an overabundance, but each ejaculation releases anywhere between 20 and 300 million sperm cells, making all that hard work necessary. A full sperm production cycle can take 64 days and in that time the testicles will produce up to 8 billion sperm.

Androgens, the hormones produced in the testicles, play an important role in many aspects of a man’s life. These hormones control the development of masculine features. For instance, deeper voice and beard hair growth can be linked to androgens. The hormone called testosterone also plays a vital role in male reproduction. Testosterone drives genital growth and the sperm production that takes place in the testicles.

Maintaining good health is important to ensuring the testicles are able to perform their functions properly. Evidence shows that poor health can lead to lower sperm counts and weakened testosterone production. Some research shows that male infertility increases by 10 percent for every 20 pounds that a man is overweight. Unhealthy lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy drinking and stress can also affect the testicles’ ability to perform their functions.

Given the importance of testicle functions, it is important to pay attention to the diseases and conditions that occur in them. One of the most serious conditions is testicular cancer. This cancer is tends to affect younger men between 15 and 34 years of age, and although it is not common, it is important to be aware of it and check one’s testicles somewhat regularly. According to the American Cancer Society, about 410 deaths a year in the United Stated will be caused by this form of cancer.

Because the testicles are a part of the male reproductive system, a urologist is the doctor to see if any symptoms arise that indicate a problem. Men who have health concerns can make and appointment at St Pete Urology and meet a highly skilled uologist who is dedicated to improving reprouctive health and quality of life for his patients.

Dr. Reid Graves, Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis and Dr. Adam Oppenheim of St Pete Urology are board certified urologists in treating urological diseases with the use of the latest technology available. Contact us at our office in St Petersburg, Florida.

What are the 3 functions of the testes?

The Testis has following three functions. First, it produces spermatozoa, the male gametes. Second, it synthesizes testosterone, the principal male sex hormone. Third, it participates with the hypothalamus-pituitary unit in regulating reproductive function.

What is the common function of testes?

What do the testes do? The testes have two functions – to produce sperm and to produce hormones, particularly testosterone. Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.