Testes

Ventral view, right side

The testicles are the primary sex organs of the male. They are homologous to the ovaries. They produce gametes as well as hormones. Thus, they are mixed glands. The production of the gametes is the result of meiosis. The meiosis begins prior to birth but then stops before it is complete. The completion of the meiosis occurs after the onset of puberty. The testicles normally descend from the body cavity into the scrotum, where they are 3 to 4^o Celsius cooler than body temperature. This is essential in order for them to produce viable spermatozoa. The testicle is covered by the tunica albuginea. It is contained within the fascial sac or tunica vaginalis and is connected to the sac by what remains of the gubernaculum. The seminiferous tubules, rete testes, and vas efferens are contained within the testicle. Spermatozoa are transported from the tubules of the testicle to the epididymis. The epididymis is on the surface of the testicle.