6. What are testes? What do they do?

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Testes, also known as testicles, are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and hormones, primarily testosterone. They are typically oval-shaped and located in the scrotum, which is a pouch of skin that hangs outside the body. This external positioning helps to maintain a temperature slightly lower than the body's core temperature, which is essential for optimal sperm production.

### Functions of the Testes:

1. **Sperm Production (Spermatogenesis)**:
   - The testes contain seminiferous tubules where sperm cells are produced. This process begins at puberty and continues throughout a male's life.
   - Sperm cells develop from germ cells through several stages, ultimately maturing into spermatozoa.

2. **Hormone Production**:
   - The Leydig cells, located in the interstitial tissue of the testes, produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
   - Testosterone is crucial for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth, as well as for maintaining libido and overall reproductive health.

3. **Storage and Maturation of Sperm**:
   - After production, sperm are transported to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored until ejaculation.

In summary, the testes play a vital role in male fertility and the development of male characteristics through their dual functions of sperm and hormone production.
Testes, or testicles, are male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. They help make sperm and maintain male characteristics like facial hair and muscle growth.

6. What are testes? What do they do?

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